Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

You know those three bananas sitting on your bench that are way past their prime? This chocolate peanut butter banana bread is what they were made for.

It's the kind of baking that genuinely tastes indulgent but is made with ingredients that do a lot more for you on the nutrition front. Think cacao powder, spelt flour, almond meal, coconut sugar and dark chocolate chips instead of the usual refined flour and milk chocolate. Same satisfaction, same joy, more nourishing ingredients.

It's also ready in about an hour, and you can slice and store it in the freezer.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

Cooling time: 10 minutes

Total time: 60 mins

Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 80g smooth peanut butter

• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 eggs, whisked

• 125ml milk of choice

• 1 tsp of vanilla essence

• 120g spelt flour

• 25g almond meal

• 35g coconut sugar

• 30g cacao powder

• 1 tsp of baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 80g dark chocolate chips

• 1 medium banana, thinly sliced

• 2-3 tbsp (extra) peanut butter, melted, for drizzling.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a loaf tin with baking paper and spray with oil spray. 

2. Place the peanut butter in a small saucepan and melt over a low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat.

3. Whisk the peanut butter, bananas, eggs, milk and vanilla essence together in a mixing bowl until well combined and smooth.

4. Place the flour, almond meal, coconut sugar, cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda and chocolate chips in a separate mixing bowl and stir to combine. 

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until well combined. Pour into the lined loaf tin and arrange the sliced banana down the middle of the tin, pressing down gently.

6. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the loaf tin for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

7. Serve drizzled with the melted peanut butter. 

Why this recipe is a healthier option

Sometimes, all you want is a slice of banana bread that's the real deal - all that sugary, buttery goodness. But when you want a more nutritious treat without compromising on taste, this recipe is where it's at.

Spelt flour is an ancient grain that contains more protein and fibre than standard white flour, and tends to be easier to digest for some people. Cacao powder (not to be confused with cocoa powder) is rich in antioxidants and has a deeper, more intense chocolate flavour. Coconut sugar has a lower glycaemic index than refined white sugar, which means it has a gentler effect on blood sugar levels. And peanut butter brings healthy fats and protein to keep you fuller for longer.

Make it, slice it, freeze it

Once your loaf has cooled completely, slice it up and pop individual portions into small containers or zip-lock bags. Store in the freezer for up to three months and pull out a slice whenever the 3pm craving hits.

A quick 30-second microwave blast (or even a quick toast for extra crunch) and it's good to go.

If you're into healthier baking, try our chocolate tahini banana nice cream next.