Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This healthy chocolate banana bread is a delicious treat that combines ripe bananas with rich cocoa and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack, offering a moist texture and chocolatey flavor without refined sugars.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz / 360 g total)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅙ tsp sea salt
• 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour)
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (optional, replaces ½ cup / 50 g flour – see notes)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (7.9 inch) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the nut butter and eggs until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Whisk or stir for about two minutes to combine thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the oat flour, protein powder if using, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or applesauce to the wet ingredients.
• Try different nut butters for unique flavors and textures.
• Use gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds crunch and nutrition.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute oat flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour. Expect a slightly different texture, but the bread will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have protein powder?

The protein powder is optional and can be omitted or replaced with equal parts flour. It adds extra protein but isn’t necessary for the recipe to work well.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and nutritious treat made with ripe bananas, nutrient-rich oat flour, and rich cocoa powder. Sweetened naturally and enriched with nut butter and optional protein powder, it offers a wholesome twist on classic banana bread, perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or snack.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz/360 g total)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower seed butter)
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅙ tsp sea salt
• 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour)
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (optional, replaces ½ cup flour)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inch) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil.
2. Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the nut butter and eggs, stirring them thoroughly into the banana mixture to create a wet base.
3. Add Sweetener and Flavorings: Mix in your chosen granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Use a whisk or fork to stir for about two minutes until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the oat flour (or a combination of oat flour and protein powder), cocoa powder, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until fully combined, then carefully fold in the chocolate chips without overmixing.
5. Transfer Batter and Optional Topping: Pour the prepared batter into the loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Bread: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Protein powder replaces ½ cup of flour; adjust flour quantity accordingly if used.
• Choose your preferred nut butter based on taste or dietary needs.
• Sweetener options affect the overall sugar content; monk fruit is a low-sugar alternative to brown sugar.
• Make sure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Healthy banana bread, chocolate banana bread, oat flour bread, nut butter banana bread, protein banana bread, low sugar chocolate bread, vegan butter alternative