Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house. This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. With ripe bananas bringing natural sweetness and dark chocolate chips adding a rich burst of flavor, this delightful loaf is a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your banana bread slides out easily once baked.
- In a large bowl, grab a fork and mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth and creamy—allow those natural sugars to shine through!
- Stir in the melted coconut oil until everything is well combined and glossy.
- Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture, mixing until fully blended. The sweetness from the syrup and richness from the egg will enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture, then mix them in to activate the leavening power.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour and rolled oats, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, distributing them evenly for decadent little pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. It should look inviting and ready to bake!
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this is when the magic happens!
- Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation will be worth it!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, make sure your bananas are super ripe; brown spots indicate optimal sweetness. You can also customize this recipe by adding nuts or dried fruits of your choice for added texture and flavor. If you want to make it vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg or applesauce!
Cooking Techniques
Mashing the bananas properly is key to achieving a smooth batter, so don’t rush this step. Also, gently folding in the dry ingredients helps to incorporate air into the batter without making it dense, ensuring a light and fluffy loaf. Remember to keep an eye on your bread towards the end of the baking time; ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake it!
FAQ
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another oil? Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, vegetable or canola oil can work just as well.
How should I store the banana bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a week. It also freezes beautifully if you want to enjoy it later!
Conclusion
With its lovely golden crust and rich, chocolatey goodness, this Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is sure to become a household favorite. Perfectly moist and wonderfully sweet, it’s a guilt-free treat you can feel good about indulging in. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this delightful loaf—it’s pure comfort in every bite!