Craving a sweet treat that’s also good for you? This Dark Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread is your new go-to. You’ll love how the rich chocolate pairs with the moist banana and hidden zucchini, making it a perfect healthy banana bread recipe for any time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Shredded Zucchini: Don’t peel it! Squeeze out excess water for a less watery bread.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite quality dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar work as alternatives for sweetness.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed of excess water
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, whisk, rubber spatula, 9×5 inch loaf pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your healthy banana bread won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and the squeezed shredded zucchini.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your healthy banana bread tough.
5. Fold in Dark Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’re adding nuts, now is the time to fold them in as well.
6. Bake Your Banana Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the healthy banana bread set properly before you slice and enjoy.
Variation Ideas:
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the optional walnuts or pecans.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in an extra ¼ cup of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among smaller loaf pans and adjust baking time accordingly (usually 30-40 minutes).
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Dark Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this healthy banana bread recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
Q: Do I need to peel the zucchini?
A: No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin softens during baking and adds extra nutrients.
Q: My banana bread came out dry. What went wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can lead to dry bread. Ensure you stir just until combined and check for doneness around the 55-minute mark.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough?
A: Your bananas should have many brown spots on their skin. The browner they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your healthy banana bread will be.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup?
A: You can slightly reduce the maple syrup, but remember it contributes to both sweetness and moisture. Reducing it too much might affect the texture and taste.
