Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf Healthy
Looking for a guilt-free treat? Try this banana chocolate chip loaf healthy recipe—packed with flavor and nutrients for a perfect snack or dessert!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and nutrients for a heartier healthier loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the loaf rise for a light fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional – Enhances flavor with a warm, cozy touch.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas mashed – Naturally sweetens the loaf while keeping it moist.
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup – A refined sugar-free sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 eggs – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a soft texture.
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce – Boosts moisture and adds a light tangy flavor.
- ¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil melted – Provides healthy fats for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor with a hint of natural sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot by the time your batter is ready.
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth.Feel free to leave a few small lumps in the mixture; they’ll add a pleasant texture to the finished loaf. You’ll need approximately 1 ½ cups of mashed bananas, which is roughly the equivalent of 3 ripe bananas. Bananas that are very ripe are ideal because they bring extra sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add honey or maple syrup, eggs, Greek yogurt (or applesauce), and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The richness of the Greek yogurt or applesauce adds a subtle tang, making your loaf wonderfully moist and soft.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter!
Step 5: Add the Fun Ingredients
- Gently fold in dark chocolate chips and, if you prefer, some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. The chocolate chips will melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness, and the nuts add a satisfying crunch, giving your loaf the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Bake Your Loaf
- Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a little extra indulgence.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean (with just a few crumbs), your loaf is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let your banana chocolate chip loaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. This will allow it to set, making slicing easier.
- Once fully cooled, slice and serve! Whether it’s warm with a cup of tea or at room temperature, this loaf is perfect for any occasion.
- Now that you know how to make this delicious banana chocolate chip loaf healthy, you’re ready to bake your own loaf—easy to prepare and wonderfully nutritious. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Calories: ~180-200 calories per slice (depending on ingredients and portion size)