Chocolate Banana Bread Healthy Moist Wellplated Com

Marvelously moist with an intense chocolate flavor that balances the banana-ness just right, this recipe celebrates the divine combo of chocolate + banana in a fashion so sublime, our loaf hardly lasted two days. This recipe has chocolate two ways, plus a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor. This bread is a little bit extra, which is exactly the point. If we are going to do this, let’s do it right. This decadent-tasting double chocolate banana bread is an adaptation of my favorite healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins. Like the muffins (and many of my other healthy quick bread recipes), it’s made with wholesome ingredients, yet could pass the inspection of even the most ardent of chocolate lovers, including yours truly. With this recipe, you can feel redeemed enjoying chocolate for breakfast any morning (or let’s be honest—any afternoon or evening) the craving strikes. For me, that craving was in full force every day this lovely loaf remained on our counter…which sadly wasn’t many. I bet it disappears quickly in your kitchen too!

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

It was important to me to make this dark chocolate banana bread healthy. Banana bread is bad for you when it is high in sugar, uses a large amount of oil or butter, and is made with refined flour instead of whole grains. You can make a great-tasting banana bread without those excess additions. Banana itself is so naturally moist and sweet, it’s one of the very best ingredients for nutritious baking (hence I have so many banana recipes! This Oatmeal Banana Bread is another favorite). To make this chocolate banana bread healthy, I used a few simple swaps. In addition to breakfast, this banana bread is a healthy snack that’s sure to perk up your afternoon.

The Ingredients

Flour. For a healthy swap, I used white whole wheat flour for part of the flour in this recipe (the rest is all-purpose flour). The swap is imperceptible, and the whole wheat flour provides more protein and fiber. Banana. Banana adds delicious natural sweetness to the bread and gives it that signature, beloved flavor. Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber. Cocoa Powder. The key to the bread’s irresistible and rich chocolate flavor. Espresso Powder. While optional, this gives the chocolate flavor an extra intensity boost that you don’t want to miss. Cinnamon + Vanilla. The dynamic duo of warmth and coziness. Both ingredients pair perfectly with the chocolate and banana flavors. Greek Yogurt. One of my favorite healthy swaps! Instead of making the chocolate banana bread with sour cream, a favorite for making moist baked goods, I used Greek yogurt. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and offers the same moisture and tanginess as sour cream.Honey. I used honey as a healthy, natural swap for refined sugar. It pairs nicely with the other flavors and gives just the right amount of sweetness. Chocolate Chips. A must-have addition to banana bread in our household! If you prefer chocolate banana bread without chocolate chips, you can omit them or swap in a different kind of baking chips (like peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips).

The Directions

What to Serve with Chocolate Banana Bread

Peanut Butter. A warmed slice of chocolate banana bread with a smear of peanut butter is a taste of heaven. (Almond butter would also be delish.)Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Lean into the chocolaty goodness by topping your bread with a smear of chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella). Fruit. Both of the above options would be extra delicious with an added layer of fresh fruit. Banana slices, raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries would be wonderful. A fruit spread would also work great. All on its own. This bread is wonderful warmed, with a cup of coffee, tea, or even milk.

Storage Tips

To Store. Store bread in a paper towel-lined airtight storage container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To Freeze. Freeze leftover bread slices in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Loaf Pan. Ideal for this banana bread recipe. Mixing Bowls. This set has multiple sizes, and they’re all dishwasher-safe. Instant Read Thermometer. The easiest way to know if your bread is cooked through.

Mornings (and afternoons and evenings and midnight snacks) are better with double chocolate banana bread in it! Your future self is thanking you already.

Be sure your baking soda is active and hasn’t expired. To test, add 1 ½ teaspoons of it to 1 tablespoon of vinegar. It should be very fizzy.Measure your banana after mashing it. “Large” can mean different things to different people, which is why I also give you a volume measure.Use an oven thermometer. Some ovens can be off by 10, 20, or even 30 degrees, all of which make a difference.Bake your banana bread fully. Because it can be hard to tell when banana bread is done, I like to use an instant read thermometer. When quick breads (like banana bread) are done baking, the center will be 195 degrees F.

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Chocolate Banana Bread Video

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