Craving a delicious treat that’s also good for you? Say hello to this unbelievably moist and flavorful gluten-free banana bread, packed with chocolatey goodness, but completely free of refined sugar! This recipe is perfect for those watching their sugar intake, following a gluten-free diet, or simply seeking a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought baked goods. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and makes a fantastic breakfast, snack, or dessert. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this healthy and delicious banana bread!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) – optional, but highly recommended!
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – optional
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread releases easily after baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Overripe bananas are best for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Add Chocolate & Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped dark chocolate and nuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and can result in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the banana bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Add different nuts: Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- Use different chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of dark chocolate or even add chocolate chips.
- Make mini loaves: Divide the batter among smaller loaf pans for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
- Sugar: Naturally occurring sugars from bananas and chocolate
This healthy banana bread recipe offers a delicious and guilt-free treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without compromising your healthy eating goals. Enjoy! It's a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. This recipe showcases homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and experience the joy of baking this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make banana bread!