Decadent Banana Flax Chocolate Chip Bread
This Decadent Banana Flax Chocolate Chip Bread is the culmination of years spent perfecting a moist, flavorful, and health-conscious banana loaf. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, enriched with flaxseed for added nutrition, and dotted with rich dark chocolate chips, this loaf is a true crowd-pleaser. It's not just a treat for family and friends; I often share it with my dentist's crew and my hair salon, making it a favorite for all who taste it. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted as a breakfast delight, this loaf strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and health. Your taste buds will swoon and your body will thank you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Flour
4 cups (Sifted)
Baking Powder
2.5 teaspoons (N/A)
Baking Soda
1.5 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Flaxseed Meal
1/2 cup (N/A)
Ripe Bananas
2 cups (Mashed)
Dark Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Egg Beaters Egg Substitute
1 cup (N/A)
Low-Fat Buttermilk
2/3 cup (N/A)
Unsweetened Applesauce
1/4 cup (N/A)
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (N/A)
Dark Chocolate Chips
8 ounces (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray two 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flaxseed meal until well combined. Set aside.
3
In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the mashed bananas and dark brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
4
Add the egg substitute to the banana mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
5
Stir in the low-fat buttermilk, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth.
6
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix.
7
Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (you may encounter melted chocolate - check for batter).
10
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
11
Carefully turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Note that slicing while warm is tempting but may squish the loaf.
12
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add-ins; just be mindful of the additional sweetness and calories.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Banana Flax Chocolate Chip Bread.
What are the healthy additions in this banana bread?
This recipe includes flaxseed meal, whole wheat flour, and unsweetened applesauce for added nutrition.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
The recipe yields two loaves.
What size loaf pans are required?
You should use two 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pans.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should the loaf pans be prepared?
Spray the loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter.
What type of flour is used in this bread?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of sifted whole wheat flour.
How much flaxseed meal is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of flaxseed meal.
How much mashed banana is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of mashed ripe bananas.
What type of sugar is used for sweetness?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
What kind of egg product is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of Egg Beaters egg substitute.
What type of milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of low-fat buttermilk.
What can be used to reduce the amount of oil needed?
Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) is used alongside the oil to maintain moisture.
How much vegetable oil is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
What kind of chocolate chips are recommended?
The recipe suggests 8 ounces of dark chocolate chips.
What spices are added to the bread?
The bread is flavored with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flaxseed meal in a large bowl.
How should the bananas and sugar be combined?
Use an electric mixer to beat the mashed bananas and dark brown sugar until creamy.
What is the correct way to combine wet and dry ingredients?
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula just until combined.
Is there a risk to overmixing the batter?
Yes, you should take care not to overmix the batter to maintain the best texture.
When should the chocolate chips be added?
Fold in the dark chocolate chips after the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How long does the bread take to bake?
Bake the loaves for 55 to 65 minutes.
How do you test for doneness?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, though you may see melted chocolate.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
Where should the bread finish cooling?
Turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I slice the bread while it is still warm?
It is tempting, but slicing while warm may squish the loaf; it is better to let it cool.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different chocolate chips or add-ins, but watch the extra calories and sweetness.
How is the bread best served?
It can be enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted as a breakfast delight.
What is the texture of this banana bread?
The recipe is designed to be moist and flavorful.
Who is this bread typically shared with?
The author suggests sharing it with family, friends, hair salons, and dental crews.