Chocolate Banana Bread

This Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and naturally sweetened twist on classic banana bread, combining the flavors of ripe bananas, nut butter, and cocoa for a delightful treat. The mashed bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, while the nut butter adds a subtle nutty depth and healthy fats. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips bring a double dose of chocolatey goodness, making this loaf a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. You can make it with oat flour for a gluten-free option, and for an extra boost, replace some of the flour with protein powder. This chocolate banana bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a satisfying dessert!

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz / 360 g)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed)
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (such as monk fruit or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅙ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) oat flour, or preferred flour
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)

High-Protein Option

• Replace ½ cup (50 g) flour with ½ cup (50 g) protein powder for a boost in protein.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (7.9-inch) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Add the eggs and nut butter, stirring until combined.
3. Add the sweetener, vanilla, and sea salt, and whisk until well mixed, about 2 minutes.
4. Mix in the oat flour (or oat flour + protein powder, if using), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Stir until fully combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top, if desired.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy this rich, chocolatey banana bread with a touch of nutty flavor—perfect for a satisfying snack or breakfast!