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Healthy chocolate banana bread sliced on a wooden table

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread combines ripe banana sweetness and rich cocoa for a comforting treat that's guilt-free and perfect for any time of day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients

  • 1.75 cups whole-wheat pastry flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend) Use a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Provides the chocolate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bread rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Works with baking soda for a lighter texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt Enhances flavors.

Wet ingredients

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups) Use very ripe bananas for best results.
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt Can substitute with applesauce to reduce fat.
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (like avocado or light olive oil) Can replace with yogurt or applesauce.
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey Serves as a natural sweetener.
  • 2 pieces large eggs, room temperature Bring to room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor.

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate Use higher cocoa content for a richer taste.
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional, for added texture.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat pastry flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Whisk in yogurt, oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
  • Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Baking

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Start checking at 45 minutes.
  • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Measure flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf. Don’t overmix the batter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g
Keyword Chocolate Banana Bread, easy bread recipe, fall baking, Gluten-Free Options, Healthy Baking
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