Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

If you’re craving something sweet, nourishing, and full of flavor, this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread will be your new go-to recipe! Bursting with the rich taste of cocoa and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, it’s the perfect balance between indulgence and health. Whether for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, this bread has you covered.

Fun fact: banana bread first became popular during the Great Depression as a clever way to use up overripe bananas. This recipe honors that tradition but gives it a wholesome twist with better-for-you ingredients that your whole family will love.

Best of all? It comes together quickly and bakes in just about an hour, making it as comforting and easy as a cozy movie night at home. If you love classics like banana bread or decadent chocolate cake, this chocolatey version is sure to win your heart. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

What is Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread?

Think of it as the best of both worlds: naturally sweet bananas meeting rich cocoa in one moist, flavorful loaf. It’s chocolatey enough to feel indulgent, yet packed with wholesome ingredients so you can enjoy it anytime without guilt. As the saying goes, “a little chocolate makes everything better” — and this banana bread proves it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Wholesome Ingredients – Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and cocoa powder, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

2. Budget-Friendly – A perfect way to use up overripe bananas and pantry staples you probably already have.

3. Endless Toppings – Delicious on its own or dressed up with nut butter, yogurt, berries, or crunchy nuts for extra texture.

If you enjoy comforting bakes like moist carrot cake or zucchini bread, this loaf will fit right into your favorites list.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Quick Overview

This recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and only takes about 10 minutes of prep. Pop it in the oven, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and in under an hour you’ll have a loaf ready to slice and enjoy.

Key Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or applesauce for a lighter version)

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Mix wet ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together bananas, coconut oil (or applesauce), honey (or syrup), eggs, and vanilla.

3. Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

4. Blend together – Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.

5. Add chocolate chips – If using, stir them in.

6. Bake – Pour batter into the pan and bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool & slice – Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• A smear of almond or peanut butter

• Fresh berries or sliced fruit

• A dollop of Greek yogurt

• A smoothie or a hot cup of tea/coffee

• Or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a healthier dessert twist!

Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas – The browner, the better for natural sweetness.

• Substitute smartly – Swap coconut oil for applesauce to cut calories.

• Avoid overmixing – This keeps the loaf light and moist.

• Add variety – Mix in walnuts, pecans, or seeds for extra crunch.

Storage & Reheating

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

• Freeze (well wrapped) for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds or toast lightly.

 This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is proof that dessert can be both delicious and nourishing. Bake it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy every slice!

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

A delicious and healthy twist on traditional banana bread, packed with cocoa rich flavor and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or unsweetened applesauce) Use applesauce for a lower-calorie option.
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup Either sweetener works well.
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Fold gently into the batter if using.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil (or applesauce), honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. If using, fold dark chocolate chips into the batter.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
3. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. This bread freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster.