by Alexia Zolis, RD on July 7th, 2024
Indulge in my no-sugar-added chocolate chunk banana bread! Transform your ripe bananas into a nutritious treat with this easy recipe.
As a dietitian, I love making indulgent recipes more nutritious. Adding nutritious ingredients to foods is a strategy to level up your healthy eating. Nutritious foods provide our body with more benefits so that we can function better and feel better.
Chocolate chunk banana bread is one of my favourite desserts which is why I created this better-for-you recipe. This delicious loaf will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling content.
Keep reading to find out why this chocolate chunk banana bread recipe is a keeper!
Why you will love this chocolate chunk banana bread recipe
Delicious – I might be biased, but this healthier chocolate chunk banana bread tastes no different than the classic recipe. And better yet, it has no added sugar!
Satisfying – This recipe contains a secret ingredient to bump up the fibre content and make it more filling, can you guess what it is? If your answer was oats, you’re correct!
Easy – Just to top it all off, you will love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy. This chocolate chunk banana bread takes no longer than 15 minutes to prepare so you can pop it in the oven and relax.
Ingredients to make chocolate chunk banana bread
Very ripe bananas – a must! Make sure your bananas are browning or have a few spots on them to make sure your banana bread will stay moist and have the best flavour.
Canola oil – a healthy alternative for butter that contains heart healthy fats and adds moisture.
Maple syrup – a rich natural sweetener to replace sugar while still providing the perfect taste.
Eggs – a baking staple that will hold your banana bread together!
Vanilla extract & cinnamon – for a warm and cozy flavour.
Oats/oat flour – Adds fibre and makes this recipe more filling.
Make your own oat flour: Blend 1 ½ cup of rolled oats in a high speed blender until a powder is formed.
All-purpose flour – Gives the bread structure.
Baking soda – makes your loaf rise.
Salt – a pinch of salt will make the flavours pop! don’t worry, it won’t make it taste salty.
Chocolate chunks – my favourite part! Cut up your favourite dark chocolate bar into chunks; big or small depending on your preference.
How to make this chocolate chunk banana bread recipe
This recipe is so simple to put together, no mixer required, just a whisk and a spoon or spatula!
First, mix together your wet ingredients. Using a fork or potato masher, mash your bananas in a large bowl. Then add in the canola oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla with a whisk until fully combined.
Make your oat flour, if need be. Blend 1 cup of rolled oats in a high speed blender until a powder is formed. Simple as that!
Then, combine your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix your wet and dry ingredients together. Add the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until just combined. Some lumps are ok!
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If the batter is overmixed, your banana bread will be dense.
Then bake! Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, top with additional chocolate chunks, and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes.
Slice and serve! The best part.
Substitutions & Variations
Mashed bananas – unfortunately you can’t have chocolate chunk banana bread without bananas! But if you are short a banana, you can substitute with a ½ cup of plain greek yogurt.
Canola oil – if you don’t have canola oil, vegetable oil is another option.
Maple syrup – if you don’t have maple syrup, try adding honey!
Chocolate chunks – although this recipe is better with chunks of chocolate, chocolate chips work great as well!
Optional add-ins – if you’re feeling like you want to change it up, add ⅓ cup of any of these optional mix-ins: chopped dates, chopped walnuts, raisins, or chopped pecans.
In case of allergies or sensitivities, try these variations:
To make this recipe gluten free – Make this recipe using gluten-free oat flour and substitute the all-purpose flour with more gluten-free oat flour.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use frozen thawed bananas?
Yes you can! To freeze your bananas, peel them and seal them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to make some chocolate chunk banana bread, take them out of the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight.
What is the best way to store banana bread?
Once cooled, store your banana bread covered at room-temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze my chocolate chunk banana bread?
Of course, this loaf freezes perfectly! Once cooled, slice your chocolate chunk banana bread and place it in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room-temperature or in the refrigerator overnight once you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I make chocolate chunk banana muffins using this recipe?
Certainly! Once you have your prepared batter, fill the cavities of one muffin tin (to make a dozen muffins) until they’re about half full. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Chocolate chunk banana bread (no added sugar)
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, canola oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla with a whisk until fully combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Switch to a spoon or spatula and mix the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Some lumps are okay!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chunks until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Top with additional chocolate chunks if desired.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes. Slice and serve!
2 responses to “Chocolate chunk banana bread recipe (no added sugar)”
So delicious, the perfect about of sweetness and banana taste. Would recommend to all my friends!
It is easy to make and very tasty!