Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Why Make This Recipe

There’s something special about the smell of banana bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? This Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is not just any ordinary recipe; it’s a delightful way to use up those brown bananas sitting on your counter. With wholesome ingredients, this bread strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. It’s soft, sweet, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, who can resist a little chocolate?

How to Make Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 spotty bananas
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups oat flour (see above for instructions)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup oil (I used avocado oil)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• few shakes cinnamon
• chocolate chips (to mix into batter and for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork until smooth.
3. Next, add all the ingredients except the chocolate chips, and mix well until combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the loaf pan. Top with extra chocolate chips for that extra treat.
5. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool, then slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This lovely banana bread can be served in numerous ways. Slice it up for breakfast, pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon snack. If you’re feeling fancy, spread a little nut butter on top for added flavor and protein. It also makes a great dessert that everyone will love!

How to Store Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it for a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to warm it up!

Tips to Make Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1. Use very ripe bananas for sweeter and more flavorful bread.
2. If you don’t have oat flour, you can make it by blending rolled oats until fine.
3. Feel free to switch out coconut sugar for another sweetener, but keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly.
4. Add nuts or dried fruits if you like more texture.

Variation

If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. You could also substitute half of the chocolate chips with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a lovely fruity flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Just thaw them first, and then mash them as you normally would. They may be a bit more watery, but that’s fine.

Is there a dairy-free option for this Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free because it uses oil instead of butter. Just ensure that the chocolate chips you choose are dairy-free as well.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of oat flour. Just keep in mind that this may affect the texture a little, but it should still taste delicious!

Conclusion

I hope you find joy in making this Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! It’s a wonderful recipe that brings back memories of warmth and family gatherings. When you take that first bite, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into homemade treats. For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out my feed on Pinterest and Medium. Happy baking!