Dreamy Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
User Reviews
5
Dreamy Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Description
This banana bread combines ripe bananas and browned butter to produce a moist, flavorful loaf. The addition of coconut oil and applesauce adds moisture without heaviness. A flaxseed egg or a conventional egg acts as a binder, while the flour mixture of unbleached whole wheat and oat flour creates a tender crumb with subtle nuttiness. Cinnamon and nutmeg add aromatic spices complementing the banana and dark chocolate chips, which bring bursts of rich chocolate throughout the bread.
The preparation includes whipping up the flax egg in advance, browning the butter slowly to develop a nutty aroma and caramel notes, then mixing the wet and dry ingredients together before folding in the chocolate chips. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking with a soft interior and golden crust. The loaf slices easily and can be enjoyed for breakfast or snacks.
Oat flour can be homemade by grinding rolled oats, which adds freshness. This recipe’s nutrition facts are estimated and can be adjusted depending on ingredients. The use of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup offers a gentle sweetness that balances the texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Flaxseed or 1 large egg, used as egg substitute
- 5 TBSP butter unsalted
- 1 cup banana super ripe, 2 medium bananas
- ¼ cup applesauce unsweetened
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 cup unbleached white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup oat flour ground, see notes
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 1/2-3/4 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ to ¾ cup dark chocolate chips 60% cacao
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees F and whip up your flax egg, if using one.
- To make a flax egg, simply combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water, whisk, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. No need to time it, just pop it in the fridge until you're ready to add it to the mix.
- Next grab 5 tablespoons from a stick of butter and slice. Slicing is optional, but will help the butter melt faster and more evenly. Add the butter to a small saucepan on medium-low heat and whisk occasionally, keeping an eye on the pot to prevent burning. A few minutes later, once the butter fully melts, it will start to froth and bubble at the top. Keep whisking repeatedly at this point, as the butter takes on a caramel brown-sugar smell. You'll start to notice tiny brown flecks at the bottom of your pan. Whisking those little specks will give the butter a golden-brown hue and signal when it's time to remove the butter from heat. Pour into clean bowl to prevent further cooking and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- In the same pot you browned your butter in, add the banana, honey and coconut oil and applesauce, scraping up any leftover golden flakes of deliciousness into the banana for added flavor. Leave the burner on medium-low heat, sauteing the banana to further develops the sweetness and flavor. A few minutes is all you'll need. Once you're ready, pull from heat and add to a large mixing bowl to cool.
- Next, in a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients and whisk to distribute evenly.
- Add approximately half of your browned butter, lemon juice, and flax egg to the banana mixture and stir.
- Sift in your dry ingredients [sometimes the oats try to hang out in the sifter, just pour them in slowly if that happens] while stirring the two together with a fork until just moistened. Add your dark chocolate chips, fold into the batter, and pour into a 9x5 loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
- That remaining brown butter? Pour/swirl it into the top of the loaf using a toothpick, then bake at 325 F for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Mine is typically done around 50 minutes but ovens are testy little appliances and times may vary just a tad.
Notes
- Make oat flour at home by pulsing rolled oats in a food processor until powdery for fresher flavor.
- Prepare the flax egg 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure it sets properly.
- Brown the butter slowly while whisking to develop a nutty aroma and avoid burning.
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Nutrition info is estimated; ingredient variations can affect nutrition.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 228 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 228kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 165mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 171mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 187IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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