Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
My grown son is now in his own condo and this collection of recipes I called, Dearest Michael were written when he was younger as you will see by my references, as a gift to him for this very moment.
Whether you read them for the story or the recipe, know that they were written as a tribute to the many people who have influenced my kitchen, my cooking and my notion of family.
STORY
Dearest Michael,
Perhaps one of the greatest joys for me as a mom was making you breakfast. I used to love coming up with different morning concoctions, breakfast sandwiches, chocolate chip pancakes, sweet bread cream cheese stuffed french toast to name a few.
Our neighbor and one of my dearest friends, Karen, taught me to love making breakfast for you. She used to remind me that before I would know it, you would be a grownup and out of the house and I wouldn't have the chance to do this anymore. She was so right. I miss the opportunity to use food as an expression of love for you. Time doesn't seem short when raising children, sometimes the workload is tedious, boring, overwhelming, but for me, breakfast was the start of a day, to get you off on the right foot.
Grandma Ann always insisted that Uncle Michael and I always eat breakfast. We never left the house without a belly full of something. I am glad I passed this on to you. There is something about the smell and delight of morning cooking aromas and this healthier version of banana chocolate chip bread does the trick on those cold winter mornings.
I Love You. Love Mom
*Because I make some product recommendations in my blogs, I may get a small commission as an affiliate and or an Amazon affiliate. Anything I recommend I personally use. I want to make it easier to shop for items you may not have, need to replace-- or if you are a lover of all things kitchen like me, just want to add to your collection.
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
This almond flour based bread is a healthier version of the blueberry cake. I have sort of invented this recipe over the years in my attempt to make things with less white flour, white sugar and dairy. I ebb and flow between healthy and not as you have seen, so hopefully by now you have learned to lean in and just enjoy a variety of foods on your palette.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 1 cup of almond flour (you can add 1/4 cup oatmeal too if you want and go a little less on almond flour)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 T brown sugar (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup or less of unsweetened almond milk, plain or vanilla is fine
- 3/4 cup -1 cup of dark chocolate chips (I use Ghiradelli)
WHAT TO COOK WITH
- A happy mixing bowl
- A loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- A good mixing spoon
- Masher
HOW TO CREATE THE MAGIC
Preheat oven to 375
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper (I drizzle with olive oil and spread with my hands. It seems to make a crispy crust on the bread that I like.)
- Mash the bananas with a masher or a large fork so that they are smoother. Some small chunks are ok.
- Add the remaining ingredients except the almond milk and the chocolate chips.
- Mix together using a spoon unitl gently blended. Do not overmix and do not use am electric mixer.
- Once mixed, add about ½ to ¾ cup of almond milk (should be a little thinner than chocolate chip cookie batter-
thick but not too thick) - Fold in a generous portion of Chocolate chips 1 cup or a little less is good.
(Sliced Strawberries, sliced peaches, sauteed apples or blueberries are nice options as well) - Spread into pan and pinch a very small amount of Sea Salt along the top.
- Bake for about 35 - 45 minutes or until set.
SHORTCUT + TIP
When you get a feel for this easy to make recipe, you can get to the point where you just put everything in the bowl except for the chocolate chips and mix and mash together. The consistency should be chunky, not smooth, thick but pourable with the help of a spoon.
SHOPPING IDEAS
I use a silicone loaf pan or my grandmother's Corning Ware from the old days for my loaf pans, but I found a few others that appeal to me too that I thought would be helpful recommendations if you are looking for new loaf pan. Great gifts for new condo or housewarming presents too!
This healthier version of a loaf pan, ceramic, not plastic appealed to me mainly because of the color. I am turquoise kitchen addict.
This OXO pan with a lid looked like a brilliant invention for those of you who actually can not eat the whole loaf.
I haven't tried this fancier version of a loaf pan, but it looks so fun for the times you may make this for company or a holiday to serve. It is silicone.
An affordable and delicious Olive oil from Portugal. If you are close to Bristol, RI Seabra Market- you can walk in and purchase. It is usually less than $10.00 and delicious.
