Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Ah, the smell of freshly baked bread. It wafts through the house, permeating every corner and whispering sweet nothings to your taste buds.

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Servings:

Calories: 180kcal

2 ½ cups 280g finely ground blanched almond flour: This flour is gluten-free and loaded with healthy fats.
½ cup 40g unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed: This provides that rich chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent for that perfect rise.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A wonderful aromatic spice that adds warmth.
3 medium very ripe bananas heavily spotted and mashed (about 1 ¼ cups mashed banana): They sweeten the bread naturally.
3 large eggs: Binding agents that add moisture and structure.
¼ cup 78g pure maple syrup or honey: Nature's sweetener, introducing a hint of natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
½ cup 90g dark chocolate chunks or chips: Go for dairy-free if desired, plus 2 tablespoons extra for topping.
A pinch of flaky sea salt: This little touch at the end transforms the flavors beautifully.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps, as we want a smooth batter.

In another bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until smooth. Then add the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This is where your kitchen should start smelling incredible!

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Now fold in the dark chocolate chunks.

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the additional chocolate chunks on top along with a light pinch of flaky sea salt. This adds a gorgeous finish and elevates flavor.

Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate bits are okay!).

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is the hardest part!

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
Don’t Over-Mix: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Experiment with Flavors: Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for an extra texture.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so check at the 50-minute mark.
Keep it Moist: If you find your banana bread is drying out, cover it tightly with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!