Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
A deliciously healthy banana bread that is oil-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for more sweetness.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce Can substitute with pureed pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour Adds fiber and nutrients.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder Use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Use dairy-free if needed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add applesauce and vanilla extract to the bananas, and mix well.
- In another bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature and consider adding nut butter or chopped nuts for extra flavor. To store, wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze wrapped pieces.