Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is an easy, feel-good bake the whole family loves. It comes together quickly with just a couple of bowls and is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. I completely overhauled the recipe to use more accessible ingredients and deliver even better results—reducing the maple syrup so most of the sweetness comes from ripe bananas, adding an egg for a softer, lighter crumb (with a flax egg option if needed), and swapping all-purpose flour for my Almond Flour Mix for more protein, good fats, and a beautifully tender texture.

• Easy to Make: Simple steps, minimal prep, and no special equipment required.
• Family-Approved: Rich chocolate flavor with a soft crumb that kids and adults both love.
• Perfect for Overripe Bananas: A delicious way to use bananas that are too ripe to eat.
• Naturally Sweetened: Reduced maple syrup lets the bananas shine as the main source of sweetness.
• Better Flour Choice: Almond Flour Mix adds protein, healthy fats, and a soft, moist texture.
• Flexible & Adaptable: Made with an egg for structure, with an easy flax egg swap if you’re egg-free.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“I made this recipe and it was excellent! We love chocolate banana bread healthy!This one tasted like chocolate cake! My 3yo kept asking for chocolate cake. This gave me the brilliant idea for my family to make her a healthier version of cake pops! ” — Natasha

“I made this last night and it was amazing!! My husband and I loved it!! After the bread had been cooking for 30 minutes, I went to check the oven and it looked so good. The hardest part was waiting for it to completely cook!” — Cloigh

“This was absolutely the best upgraded banana bread I have ever tasted.
I added 2 eggs instead, walnuts and pure dark chocolate chips.
I received rave reviews and requests for recipe. I don’t know if I can go back to a regular banana bread. This was chocolatey, gooey goodness.” — Gemgirl6626

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 1/18/2026, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• Tools You need
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Healthy Baked Goods Recipes

Tools You Need

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring jugs
• Mixing bowls
• Wire whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Fork or potato masher
• 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Key Ingredients

Almond Flour Mix

• It’s a mix of almond flour and tapioca starch. It structures the bread while keeping it soft and moist.
• Adds protein and healthy fats, making the bread more nutritious.
• Substitute: All-purpose flour can be used, though the bread will have slightly less protein and may be less tender.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

• Gives the bread a rich, chocolatey flavor and deep color.
• Contributes to the overall density and texture of the loaf.
• Substitute: Cacao powder can be used for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Baking Powder

• Helps the bread rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Reacts with wet ingredients to produce air pockets for fluffiness.

Baking Soda

• Reacts with the acidity in bananas and cocoa to provide lift.
• Helps the bread brown and develop a richer flavor.

Salt

• Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Balances the sweetness from bananas and maple syrup.

Egg

• Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the loaf.
• Contributes moisture and a tender crumb.
• Substitute: A flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) works well for an egg-free version.

Mashed Bananas

• Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Adds flavor and helps create a tender, soft texture.
• Substitute: Unsweetened applesauce can be used, though the flavor will be milder.

Coconut Oil

• Adds healthy fat and keeps the bread moist.
• Contributes a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
• Substitute: Melted butter or neutral oil such as avocado oil can be used.

Maple Syrup

• Adds sweetness and a subtle, natural flavor.
• Enhances the taste without overpowering the bananas.
• Substitute: Honey or agave syrup can be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.

Vanilla Extract

• Enhances the overall flavor and depth of the bread.
• Complements the chocolate and banana flavors.
• Substitute: An equal amount of Vanilla Bean Paste will work well.

Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

• Adds pockets of rich chocolate throughout the bread.
• Enhances both flavor and texture, making the bread more indulgent.
• Substitute: Dark chocolate chunks or dairy-free chocolate chips work well too.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (180℃). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Almond Flour Mix, cocoa powder, baking powder, bakingsoda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the egg, mashed bananas, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) of the bittersweet chocolate chips.

6. Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup (1½ oz/43 g) chocolate chips on top.

7. Bake the bread: Bake for about 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

8. Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it and placing it on a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Serve and store: Enjoy warm for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert. Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in cling film for up to 4 days.

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW! 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t overmix: Gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet helps keep the bread soft and tender.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean, it’s done. A few crumbs are okay; you don’t want it to dry out.
• Customize chocolate chips: Feel free to mix in dark chocolate, dairy-free chocolate, sugar-free chocolate chips, or chunks for different textures and flavors.
• Make it egg-free: Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan-friendly option.
• Store properly: Wrap leftovers tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container to keep the bread moist for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Slice the bread and freeze individual pieces for a quick snack or breakfast on busy days.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Prepare in advance: You can mix and bake the batter a day ahead. Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Room temperature storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in cling film or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store the bread in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing frozen bread: Remove from freezer and let thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or warm gently in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
• Tips for best texture: Avoid leaving the bread unwrapped, as it can dry out. Freezing slices individually helps preserve moisture and makes reheating easy.

FAQs

What mix-ins can I add to the bread?

• Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a satisfying crunch and enhance the flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates provide chewy sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and bananas.
• Seeds: Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds add texture and a nutritional boost.
• Nut Butters: Swirls of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter create pockets of creamy richness throughout the bread.
• Chocolate Variations: Dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, sugar-free chocolate, or vegan chocolate chips can be used instead of or alongside the bittersweet chocolate chips.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder can elevate the flavor profile.
• Coconut: Shredded or flaked coconut adds chewiness and a subtle tropical note.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of Almond Flour Mix?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly less soft and the bread will have less protein and healthy fats.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins?

Yes! Adjust the baking time: mini loaves or muffins will bake faster, typically 20–35 minutes depending on size.

Preheat to 350℉ (180℃).

• Mini loaves:Bake for roughly 30minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
• Muffins:Bake for roughly 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using under-ripe bananas can make the bread dense. Gently fold ingredients and use ripe bananas for best results.

Can I reduce the sugar even more?

Yes, the sweetness mainly comes from bananas, so you can reduce maple syrup slightly, but cutting too much may affect the texture and taste.

More Healthy Baked Goods

• Healthy Granola Bars
• Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• Healthy Banana Nut Muffins
• HealthyOvernight Oats
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 1/18/2026, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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