Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, moist banana bread? But what if you could make it healthier without compromising on flavor? This sugar-free, gluten-free banana bread is not only delicious but also packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a touch of chocolate for that extra indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack or a guilt-free treat, this recipe has you covered!
The Ingredients for the Delicious Healthy Banana Bread with Chocolate
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour (you can make your own by blending oats into a fine powder)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (for added moisture and a nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better for natural sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk alternative)
Chocolate:
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free or dairy-free if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil. This ensures that the bread doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. If you like a bit of texture in your banana bread, leave some banana chunks.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips. You can also reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top of the loaf for an extra indulgent touch.
Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the reserved chocolate chips if you saved some.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a few melted chocolate smudges are okay!). The top should be golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Banana Bread:
- Extra Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Brown, spotty bananas work best for this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a denser loaf. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Customize: You can add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans pair especially well with banana bread.
Why This Banana Bread is Healthier:
No Added Sugar: This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and dark chocolate, which means there’s no need for refined sugar. It’s naturally sweet, with just the right amount of indulgence.
Gluten-Free: By using gluten-free oat flour and almond flour, this banana bread is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or sensitive to wheat. Oats are a great source of fiber, and almond flour adds healthy fats and a slightly nutty flavor.
Healthy Fats: Coconut oil (or olive oil) provides healthy fats, keeping the bread moist without the need for butter or other dairy-based fats.
Chocolate Fix: Adding dark chocolate chips makes this bread feel indulgent, but when you use sugar-free or dairy-free chocolate, it keeps the overall sugar content low while delivering those rich chocolate flavors we all love.
Serving Suggestions:
- This banana bread is perfect on its own, but you can also spread a little almond butter or peanut butter on top for extra protein.
- For a fun twist, toast a slice and enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for breakfast.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack.
Final Thoughts:
This healthy banana bread with chocolate is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. It’s moist, rich in banana flavor, and speckled with delicious bites of dark chocolate, all while being completely free of refined sugar and gluten. Whether you’re serving it as a healthy snack, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a treat with your afternoon coffee, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy your guilt-free treat, knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients that are good for you!
More from Legit Kitchen:
