Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Hey y’all! Are you on the hunt for a delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert? Look no further than this Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It’s packed with rich chocolatey goodness and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up, you’ll want to make it over and over again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

• It’s naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, reducing the need for added sugars.
• The recipe uses whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• It’s moist and tender with the perfect amount of chocolate chips for a delightful bite each time.
• This bread is dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
• It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or seeds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and whole wheat flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• If you prefer, feel free to substitute coconut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil. Learn more about healthy cooking oils here.
• For a sweeter bread, increase the honey or maple syrup by a tablespoon. Check out this guide on natural sweeteners.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Variations

• Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
• Berry Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for a warming spice.

Required Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Wire rack
• Parchment paper

Storage Instructions

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bread at room temperature before serving.

Suggested Pairings

Enjoy a slice of this banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning. It also pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Pro Tips

• Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Here’s how to ripen bananas quickly.
• Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough, dense bread.
• Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).

Is it okay to use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.