Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this healthy twist on banana bread. The mash of ripe bananas with cocoa and dark chocolate chips makes it irresistibly rich yet wholesome. I dig the blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flours that give it a perfect texture. This treat easily transforms a simple loaf into a seriously satisfying snack.

I love making healthy treats that are both delicious and good for you. I think this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a perfect twist on classic banana bread.

I use 3 ripe bananas, mashed really well to bring natural sweetness and moistness to the loaf. I mix in 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce which helps keep it on the healthier side.

I add 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor. I combine 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with 1 cup whole wheat flour and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for a rich chocolate taste and a sturdy texture.

I use 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the flavors. To top it off, I fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips which make every bite fun and indulgent.

I enjoy every slice knowing its nutritional value makes it a guilt free treat.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because first, it tastes amazing with the mix of natural banana sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. I always feel good knowing its a bit healthier thanks to things like applesauce and whole wheat flour instead of extra sugar. Also, it’s super easy to make and doesn’t need any crazy special ingredients I couldn’t find at home. Lastly, the texture is great; it’s moist and soft but still has a fun crunch from the chocolate chips, making every bite interesting.

Ingredients

• Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, fibre and potassium; they are essential for texture and flavor.
• Eggs: Offer quality protein and structure; they help to bind ingredients together really well.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture, low-calorie sweetness and replaces fat; it keeps the bread healthier.
• Whole wheat flour: Gives extra fibre, vitamins and a nutty flavor, making it more nutritious.
• Cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate taste and antioxidants; makes the bread extra indulgent.
• Honey: A natural sweetener which adds moisture and flavor changes, being better than refined sugar.
• Dark chocolate chips: Provide antioxidants and rich bursts of chocolate that uplift every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed really well
• 2 large eggs, at room temp
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (this helps keep it healthy)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with a little oil or non-stick spray.

2. In a big bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas real good until they get almost smooth.

3. Stir in 2 large eggs, making sure they’re at room temp, along with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything’s well mixed.

4. Sift in 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour to help avoid clumps.

5. Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the dry mix then gently combine it with the wet mix.

6. Once the batter is mixed, fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips carefully so they don’t break up too much.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

9. Take the loaf out from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

10. Remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your healthy chocolate banana bread!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set to 350°F)
2. Loaf pan (to grease with oil or nonstick spray)
3. Large bowl (to mash bananas and mix ingredients)
4. Fork or potato masher (to mash the bananas)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (for all the liquids and dry ingredients)
6. Whisk or fork (to beat the eggs and mix wet ingredients)
7. Sifter (to avoid clumps when adding cocoa powder and flours)
8. Spatula (to carefully fold in the chocolate chips)
9. Toothpick (to test if the bread is done)
10. Wire rack (for cooling the loaf after it comes out of the pan)

FAQ

• Q: Do I really need super ripe bananas? A: Yes, ya gotta use really ripe bananas so they mash up smooth and add natural sweetness to the bread.
• Q: Can unsweetened applesauce replacer oil in this recipe? A: Definitely, the applesauce helps keep the bread moist and makes it a healthier option so you dont need extra oil.
• Q: Is it ok to swap honey for maple syrup? A: Yup, you can use either, both provide good natural sweetness and a hint of flavor.
• Q: Do I need to sift the cocoa powder and flours? A: It is a good idea to sift them so you get a smooth batter and avoid any clumps in the bread.
• Q: How long should I bake the bread? A: Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, but start checking around 50 minutes since ovens vary a bit.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Eggs: If you dont have eggs, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg
• Honey or maple syrup: You can use agave syrup or even mashed dates if you really want a natural sweetener
• Whole wheat flour: If you prefer a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free blend or oat flour in the same amount
• Unsweetened applesauce: For a twist, mashed avocado or plain greek yogurt (if you dont mind a slight flavor change) work pretty well
• Dark chocolate chips: If you cant find them, chopping up a dark chocolate bar or using cacao nibs gives a nice crunch and burst of flavor

Pro Tips

1. Try to always use eggs and any wet ingredients at room temp – it helps everything mix together better and makes your loaf come out softer.
2. Don’t skip sifting the cocoa and flours, it helps avoid any clumps that might make the texture uneven.
3. When you’re adding in your chocolate chips, fold them gently into the batter so they don’t break up too much and mess up the look of your loaf.
4. Check your bread about 10 minutes before the expected finish time with a toothpick; oven temps can vary a bit, and you dont want it to dry out.