This healthy chocolate banana bread is the perfect combination of indulgent flavors and nutritious ingredients. Moist, chocolatey, and slightly sweet, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Alternative: Made with bananas, nut butter, and oat flour, this bread is free of refined flour and packed with nutrients.
Naturally Sweetened: The sweetness of ripe bananas reduces the need for added sugars.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to include protein powder for an added boost or use different nut butters to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: A sneaky way to get kids to eat something nutritious while indulging in chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 medium bananas, ripe (about 12 oz/360 g)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)
1/3 cup granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/6 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 cups oat flour (or preferred flour)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Optional: Replace 1/2 cup oat flour with 1/2 cup protein powder for a high-protein version

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the nut butter and eggs until well combined.
Add the granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk or mix thoroughly for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the oat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Top with additional chocolate chips, if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 loaf (approx. 10 slices)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Fold in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra texture.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oat flour for a gluten-free version.
Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.

Storage

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week.
In the Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour if desired.

2. What type of nut butter works best?

Any creamy nut butter works, but almond or peanut butter pairs particularly well with chocolate.

3. Can I skip the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit them or replace them with nuts or dried fruit.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour.

5. How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

6. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

7. How can I make this bread vegan?

Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water).

8. Can I use cocoa powder alternatives?

Yes, use cacao powder or carob powder as substitutes.

9. Can I add protein powder without altering the texture?

Yes, substitute up to 1/2 cup of oat flour with protein powder.

10. How can I make this bread more festive?

Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Conclusion

This healthy chocolate banana bread is a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines rich chocolate flavor with wholesome ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, it’s a delightful way to use ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth!