Moist & Delicious Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Are you ready to bake something truly delightful that’s both healthy and indulgent? Look no further than this healthy chocolate banana bread recipe. It’s moist, rich, and packed with the perfect balance of natural sweetness from bananas and the decadent flavor of dark chocolate. 

Banana bread is a beloved classic, and we’ve taken it up a notch by adding rich cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for a treat that’s not only delicious but also a little bit better for you. With the goodness of almond flour, oats, and the natural sweetness of bananas, this is a dessert you can feel good about indulging in. So, join us as we walk you through the steps to make this healthy, flavorful, and moist chocolate banana bread.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45-55 minutes | Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

• • 3 Eggs
  • 3 Medium-sized very ripe bananas (mashed)
  • ¼ Cup maple syrup
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 Cups fine almond flour
  • ½ Cup oatmeal
  • ½ Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ Cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons almonds or walnuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
   3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture: almond flour, oatmeal, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
   4. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips. If you want, you can add a few extra chocolate chips and some chopped almonds or walnuts on top for extra crunch and decoration.
   5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out almost clean. The top should be slightly cracked and golden brown.
2. 
   7. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. 8. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy a delicious, healthy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

Chocolate Banana Bread Tips and Variations

• The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas work best, as they are naturally sweet and full of flavor.
• For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
• Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins can add some variety to your banana bread.

Health Benefits of This Chocolate Banana Bread

• Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, almond flour is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Bananas: Packed with potassium, bananas are great for heart health, muscle function, and digestive health.
• Cocoa Powder: Dark cocoa is rich in antioxidants and may help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and boost mood.
• Oats: Oats are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer, making this banana bread a satisfying snack.

Make Chocolate Banana Bread Today!

This healthy chocolate banana bread is a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic favorite. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that provide fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack. 

Also, with the rich flavor of dark chocolate combined with the natural sweetness of bananas, every bite is an irresistible treat. It’s simple to make and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of a beloved dessert.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Loaf Pan: A 9x5-inch loaf pan is the perfect size for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining all your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
• Spatula: For mixing and transferring the batter.

If you don’t have these essential kitchen tools yet, head over to our Zulay Kitchen website to grab your new favorites today!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Are you excited to try this healthy chocolate banana bread? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below, share your experience, and let us know what recipes you’d like to see next.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

Yes! While almond flour gives this banana bread a rich, moist texture, you can substitute it with gluten-free all-purpose flour or oat flour. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make this banana bread vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace the honey.

How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or pecans make great additions to this banana bread. Simply fold them into the batter before baking or sprinkle them on top before putting it in the oven.

Can I make this banana bread with ripe frozen bananas?

Yes! If you have frozen ripe bananas, thaw them before mashing. The texture might be a little softer, but it will still work great in the recipe.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make this banana bread even more chocolatey?

For extra chocolate flavor, increase the amount of cocoa powder or add more chocolate chips. You can also swirl some melted chocolate into the batter for a decadent touch!