Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, decadent slice of banana bread that's not only incredibly delicious but also secretly healthy! This small-batch chocolate chip banana bread is the ultimate game-changer for anyone craving a sweet treat without the guilt. With just the right balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent chocolate chips, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely mouthwatering and satisfying.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 small loaf
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your banana bread bakes evenly.
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. You will need 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until it is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no large lumps for a better texture in the bread.
- Add the melted unsalted butter to the mashed banana and mix well until combined. The butter should be warm but not hot to avoid cooking the egg.
- Crack the egg into the banana and butter mixture, then whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Grease a small loaf pan with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the banana bread once it has cooled, and enjoy it as a healthy snack or breakfast option!
Tips
- Choose the Right Banana: Use a very ripe banana with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense banana bread.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps it set properly.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Bread: Feel free to add nuts, use different types of chocolate chips, or even swap in some alternative flours for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
