Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delightful treat that balances sweetness and nutrition, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With ripe bananas and a touch of chocolate, this guilt-free version will satisfy your cravings while keeping it wholesome. Let’s dive into this wonderfully simple recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, allowing them to disperse evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once done, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They add natural sweetness and depth to the bread. If you like a stronger banana flavor, feel free to add an extra mashed banana! This recipe also holds up well if you want to throw in chopped nuts or dried fruit for an added crunch or flavor burst.
Cooking Techniques
Baking banana bread is a wonderfully forgiving process. Ensure you mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them; this helps create a tender loaf. When baking, keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes — ovens can vary, and you don’t want it to overbake and dry out. Enjoy the satisfying crack on top that indicates a beautifully risen loaf!
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour will yield a lighter texture, but the whole wheat flour adds wholesome goodness.
How should I store the banana bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. Slice and freeze, then you can pull out just what you need!
Conclusion
This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the perfect blend of health and indulgence, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you savor it fresh out of the oven or enjoy a slice the next day, each bite is bursting with flavor and wholesome goodness. So grab those ripe bananas, and let’s get baking!