Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread (Oil-free)

Why This Recipe Works

This chocolate banana bread is deliciously rich and moist without any added oil. It’s naturally sweetened by ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup, while unsweetened cocoa powder brings deep chocolate flavor. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, and Greek yogurt keeps the bread tender and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips (optional):
   • Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks if using.
5. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
     

Note

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
• Applesauce Substitute: If you don’t have applesauce, you can use an additional mashed banana.