Introduction
Have you ever stood in your kitchen, staring at three overripe, speckled bananas, and felt that familiar tug between wanting a decadent treat and needing to stay on track with your wellness goals? It is a common dilemma in our house here in Bend, Oregon. The morning air was crisp today, the kind of chill that makes you want to wrap your hands around a warm mug while the oven hums in the background. My daughter Olivia was already asking for her favorite breakfast, and James was tugging at my apron strings. I knew it was time for my Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It is more than just a healthy banana bread, it is a ritual of comfort that does not leave you feeling heavy. I remember learning to bake from my grandmother, who always said that balance is the secret ingredient in any recipe. This particular skinny chocolate chip banana bread recipe with oat flour is my love letter to that philosophy. It is low calorie chocolate chip banana bread without butter, yet it retains a moisture that rivals any traditional loaf. When Ethan is setting up his tripod to catch the light hitting the steam rising from a fresh slice, I am reminded that food is about the stories we tell through the flavors we share.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Ingredients for Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- How to Make Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Pro Tips & Variations of Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- It is incredibly easy banana bread that comes together in just one bowl, saving you precious cleanup time on busy mornings.
- This low sugar banana bread relies on the natural sweetness of very ripe bananas and a touch of stevia or erythritol.
- By using Greek yogurt and applesauce, we create a low fat banana bread that remains incredibly tender and never dry.
- It is a protein packed banana bread that keeps the kids satisfied until lunch, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and wholesome grains.
- Every bite is studded with dark chocolate chips, giving you that indulgent feel within a low calorie banana bread profile.
Ingredients for Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (the more spots, the better).
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (I prefer the creaminess of Fage).
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (this replaces the oil or butter).
- 2 large eggs, room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour for a heartier texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or sugar free chocolate chips for a keto friendly banana bread twist).
How to Make Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions for Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I find that a light mist of coconut oil works beautifully here.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until they are liquid and smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Whisk in your dry ingredients. Whisk the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon directly into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your quick banana bread will become tough.
- Fold in those beautiful dark chocolate chips. There is something so satisfying about seeing the contrast of the dark chocolate against the golden batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If you are feeling extra, sprinkle a few more chips on top for that professional bakery look.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You will know it is done when the house smells like a warm hug and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you love a more indulgent texture, you might also enjoy this moist chocolate chip banana bread.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is the hardest part of this recipe.
Pro Tips & Variations of Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
If you need a gluten free skinny banana bread with chocolate chips, simply swap the whole wheat flour for a certified gluten free 1:1 baking flour or blend your own oat flour. For those following a plant based lifestyle, you can easily make a vegan skinny chocolate chip banana bread with almond milk by using flax eggs and a dairy free yogurt alternative. This recipe was inspired by the balance found in this skinny version. For an even lighter option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia. If you are craving variety, you might also like this super moist Greek yogurt banana bread for your meal prep.
Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
I love serving a thick slice of this bread slightly warmed with a smear of almond butter. It pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of extra Greek yogurt. On Sunday mornings, Ethan likes to pair his with a strong cup of black coffee, while the kids prefer theirs alongside a tall glass of cold milk. If you want something a bit different for a brunch spread, consider making these banana bread breakfast cookies as a companion piece.
Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Storage & Reheating
This bread keeps wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes like a dream. I often slice the loaf and freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment paper. When the kids need a quick snack, we just pop a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes until the chocolate chips are melty again. It’s perfect for those busy Bend mornings when we’re headed out for a hike.
FAQ about Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Can I make this high protein chocolate chip banana bread for weight loss? Yes, by using Greek yogurt and adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder, you can increase the satiety factor. Just ensure you adjust the moisture with an extra tablespoon of applesauce if it looks too dry.
Is there a paleo banana bread chocolate chips version? To make this paleo, use almond flour instead of wheat flour and replace the yogurt with coconut cream. Use honey or maple syrup as your naturally derived sweetener.
How do I make a diabetic friendly banana bread? Focus on using a zero calorie sweetener like erythritol and stick to high fiber flours like oat flour to help slow the absorption of sugar. You can find more inspiration for heart healthy choices at EatingWell.
Final Thoughts
As the sun begins to set over the Cascades, casting a long, golden shadow across my kitchen island, I am grateful for these quiet moments. Feeding my family food that is both nourishing and delicious is my way of saying I love you. This Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a staple in our home because it proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. Whether you are looking for a protein banana bread or just a better way to use those brown bananas, I hope this loaf brings as much warmth to your home as it does to mine. Pin this for later, and happy baking from my kitchen to yours.
Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. I find that a light mist of coconut oil works beautifully here.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until they are liquid and smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
- Whisk in your dry ingredients. Whisk the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon directly into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your quick banana bread will become tough.
- Fold in those beautiful dark chocolate chips. There is something so satisfying about seeing the contrast of the dark chocolate against the golden batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If you are feeling extra, sprinkle a few more chips on top for that professional bakery look.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You will know it is done when the house smells like a warm hug and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you love a more indulgent texture, you might also enjoy this moist chocolate chip banana bread.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is the hardest part of this recipe.