Name: Chocolate Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487832H43M46S
Cuisine: healthy
Ingredients: Wet 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; Dry Ingredients:; 1 ½ cups (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour); ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips; High Protein Option:; ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (as a replacement for ½ cup of flour)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Chocolate Banana Bread is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a rich and moist texture without any added oil and is gluten-free to boot. The perfect blend of ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips creates a deliciously satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy, with a high-protein option to boost its nutritional value.

Chocolate Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With its deep chocolate flavor and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, this banana bread is a healthier twist on a classic treat. The oat flour and nut butter keep the bread soft and moist, while the chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolate goodness in every bite. It’s easy to make, comes together in one bowl, and is perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free, oil-free, and protein-packed snack.

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 cups (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour)
½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips
High Protein Option: ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (as a replacement for ½ cup flour)

Tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Preheat and Prepare:
Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the three ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the nut butter and eggs into the mashed bananas. Add the sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture with a whisk or fork for around two minutes until everything is well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Stir in the oat flour (or a mix of oat flour and protein powder), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with additional chocolate chips if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the banana bread comes out clean.
Cool:
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, take it out of the pan and let it cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Timing

Serving Size: 12 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and a plant-based sweetener.
Additional Flavoring: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch of warmth.
Nuts: Feel free to fold in chopped walnuts or almonds for some crunch and added texture.

Storage/Heating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. This bread also freezes well for up to 2 months. Just slice and wrap in plastic before freezing, then reheat or enjoy straight from the freezer for a quick treat.

FAQ

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour, but the recipe is designed to be gluten-free with oat flour. Using oat flour gives it a slightly denser, moist texture.

Can I substitute the nut butter?

Yes, you can use any nut butter, such as almond, peanut, or cashew. If you prefer, sunflower seed butter is also a great alternative.

How can I make this bread sweeter?

If you’d like a sweeter bread, increase the sweetener slightly or add a bit of maple syrup or honey, depending on your preference.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! The recipe already calls for chocolate chips, but feel free to add more to the batter or sprinkle them on top for extra chocolaty goodness.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

When the bread is done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached (but not wet batter). If you notice the top is getting too brown but the inside isn’t cooked through, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect balance of indulgent chocolate flavor and healthy ingredients, making it the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or just a deliciously rich treat, this bread is sure to hit the spot! With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple baking process, it’s the ideal recipe for busy mornings or cozy afternoons. Enjoy a slice (or two)