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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
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.