Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread RECIPE (Easy, Gluten-Free)

If you've accidentally left your bananas to ripen for too long and are looking for a wholesome treat that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, then this one-bowl banana bread recipe is for you.

The best part? You can say goodbye to multiple mixing bowls and endless dishes to clean up because everything is mixed together in just one bowl. It's the perfect recipe for those busy days when you're short on time but still want to indulge in a homemade delight.

What makes this banana bread so delicious?

Unlike many gluten-free desserts, this banana bread is not overly dense or heavy, but rather light and airy.

The almond flour lends a softness and nuttiness to the bread, while the coconut flour adds a subtle richness, creating a perfect balance of textures.

This banana bread is perfectly sweetened from the natural sweetness from the ripe bananas. The walnuts and melted chocolate on top add a texture difference that make each bite of banana bread fun to eat.

Simple Swaps for a Healthier Banana Bread

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter they become, allowing you to reduce the amount of added sugar or sweetener in the recipe.

Opt for whole grain flours: Instead of using all-purpose flour, swap it with whole grain alternatives like almond flour or oat flour. These flours are higher in fiber and contain more nutrients.

Incorporate healthy fats: Replace butter or vegetable oil with healthier options such as coconut oil or avocado oil. These fats provide beneficial nutrients and contribute to a moist texture.

Choose natural sweeteners: Instead of refined sugars, use natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup, honey, or dates. These alternatives add sweetness while offering additional nutrients.

Add nutritious mix-ins: Enhance the nutritional value of your banana bread by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, or even dark chocolate chips. These additions provide extra fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy a slice of this scrumptious banana bread on its own or get creative with toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

1. Spread a layer of almond butter or peanut butter on top for added creaminess and flavor.
2. Drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the bread for extra sweetness.
3. Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a delightful crunch.
4. Toast the slices and serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
5. Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and satisfying treat.

Tips/substitutions

• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Make sure your almond flour and coconut flour are finely ground for a smooth texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of coconut sugar to suit your taste.
• Feel free to add other chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
• To keep the banana bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour?

A: Yes, you can substitute almond flour with other gluten-free flours such as hazelnut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q: Is coconut flour necessary for this recipe?

A: Coconut flour helps absorb moisture and gives the bread a fluffy texture. If you omit it, the consistency and texture may be affected. However, you can try substituting it with another gluten-free flour, but the results may differ.

Q: Can I freeze the banana bread?

A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Q: How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter clinging to it, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Q: Can I add spices like nutmeg or cloves to the recipe?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices and add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, or even ginger to enhance the flavor profile of your banana bread.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Replace each egg with one flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup applesauce. Check out this recipe if you're looking for a vegan banana bread recipe.

Print Recipe

One Bowl Banana Bread Recipe (gluten-free, grain-free, paleo)

This Banana Bread recipe is a delightful and versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Made with mashed bananas, almond flour, coconut flour, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon, this gluten-free bread is both delicious and nutritious.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy desserts, gluten free, gluten-free banana bread

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 409kcal

Author: Wan Na Chun

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs whisked
• 1 cup almond flour
• ⅓ cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar optional
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup chopped chocolate

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and whisked eggs. Mix well until fully combined.
• Add the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar (if using), cinnamon, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the banana and egg mixture. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated into the batter.
• After mixing the batter, gently fold in the chopped walnuts and set aside a small portion of the chopped chocolate for topping.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the reserved chopped chocolate and chopped walnuts on top of the batter, evenly distributing them.
• Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the banana bread from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the banana bread has cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy it as a delightful breakfast treat or a satisfying snack!

Notes

Coconut Sugar: The addition of coconut sugar is optional and can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter bread, feel free to add the coconut sugar. If you prefer a less sweet bread or are watching your sugar intake, you can omit it entirely.

Alternative Flours: Almond flour and coconut flour are used in this recipe, providing a gluten-free and grain-free option. If you don't have these flours on hand or have dietary restrictions, you can experiment with other alternative flours such as oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and moisture of the bread may vary slightly with different flours.

Cooling and Slicing: Allowing the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack is important to prevent it from falling apart. Once cooled, you can slice the bread into individual portions. It's recommended to use a serrated knife for clean and even slices.

Storage: To maintain freshness, store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or briefly warm them in a toaster or oven before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions: This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the flavors by spreading a little butter, nut butter, or cream cheese on each slice. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage.

Dietary Considerations: This recipe is gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate or omitting it altogether. It's also suitable for those following a paleo or grain-free diet. However, be mindful of any specific dietary requirements or allergies when choosing ingredients and mix-ins.

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 3mg

This one-bowl banana bread is gluten-free, grain-free and is a delightful and satisfying dessert.

With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a winner for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who appreciates a delicious homemade banana bread.

If you're looking for more easy and healthy desserts, check out my recipes for protein fluff, olive oil oatmeal cookies, fudgy brownies, Heavenly Hunks, and vegan banana bread.