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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips (optional):
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks if using.
- 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.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 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.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread (Oil-free)
Servings
10
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
30
minutesIngredients
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- 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.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks if using.
- 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.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Optional Mix-ins: For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
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