This month we’re sharing a delicious recipe for chocolate banana bread. Made with three very ripe bananas, this incredible chocolate banana bread is moist, fluffy, and full of rich chocolate flavor—perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to bring home cooks together to make one recipe at the same time. Each month we choose a real-food recipe to celebrate simple ingredients and homemade cooking.
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February 2022 – The Details
Please read these details carefully to ensure your entry counts. If you have questions, leave them in the comments of the post.
Recipe of the Month
Our recipe for February is the Incredible Chocolate Banana Bread. This version is deeply chocolatey, tender, and made with whole ingredients for a better-for-you take on a classic sweet loaf.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Whole grains: made with white whole wheat flour instead of refined flour.
Three bananas: no skimping on banana flavor—this loaf uses three very ripe bananas.
Double chocolate: cocoa powder for base flavor plus chocolate chips folded into the batter.
All About Chocolate Banana Bread
This chocolate banana bread has earned rave reviews for its texture and flavor. It’s moist and tender, with a rich chocolate profile that still highlights the sweetness of ripe bananas. The recipe uses white whole wheat flour and coconut oil to keep the loaf light while using wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Eggs: this recipe is written with eggs; if you need an egg-free version, consider using two flax eggs, though results may vary.
- Mashed bananas: the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Mash well to avoid large chunks sinking to the bottom.
- Almond milk: adds a mild, nutty flavor; any milk can be substituted.
- Vanilla: two teaspoons add depth and sweetness to the batter.
- Coconut oil: used here in place of vegetable oil; can be swapped if needed. Add it last so it doesn’t firm up when mixed with cold ingredients.
- White whole wheat flour: our preferred flour for loafs; you can substitute all-purpose flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend if desired.
- Brown sugar: a touch of brown sugar adds classic banana bread warmth; coconut sugar or another granular sugar can be used instead.
- Cocoa powder: unsweetened cocoa is essential for the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate chips: don’t skip them—chocolate chips add texture and extra chocolate indulgence.
Tools You’ll Need
Basic tools include a mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a loaf pan. For best results, a metal loaf pan helps distribute heat evenly.
Recipe Tips
- Use very ripe bananas: they are sweeter and mash more easily, improving flavor and texture.
- Mash thoroughly: incomplete mashing can cause banana pieces to sink during baking.
- Watch your pan choice: metal pans tend to bake more evenly than ceramic pans.
- Add coconut oil last: to prevent it from solidifying when combined with cold wet ingredients.
- Avoid overbaking: check the center for doneness; overbaking leads to a tough, crumbly loaf.
Make muffins instead!
If you prefer muffins, this batter converts easily:
- Line a muffin tin with liners and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the batter as directed.
- Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full; expect roughly 12 muffins.
- Bake at 350°F for about 18–23 minutes, or until centers are set.
How to Enter
After you make the recipe, submit your entry to participate in the monthly challenge.
- Find the Incredible Chocolate Banana Bread recipe post on the site and follow the instructions to make the loaf.
- Take a clear photo of your finished bread or muffins.
- Leave a comment on the recipe post with your photo, a brief note about how it went, and your name and email so winners can be contacted.
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club community on Facebook to share photos, swap tips, and connect with other home cooks. The group is free and open to anyone who wants to participate in monthly cooking challenges.
Important Dates
Thursday, February 3, 2022 – first day entries are accepted.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – last day to submit your photo and comment.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 – winners will be randomly selected and announced in the blog post and on social media.
The Prize
Two participants will each win a $100 Target gift card. Winners are chosen at random from comments submitted between February 3 and February 22, 2022. Winners will be announced on February 23, 2022 via the blog post and social channels.
Charity of the Month
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
Each month we select a charity to support. For February 2022, we are supporting the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). We will match and double the giveaway amount to donate $400 to OCRA in honor of a family member who is an ovarian cancer survivor.
OCRA funds ovarian cancer research, advocates for patients, and supports families navigating this disease. This month’s selection is personal and intended to raise awareness and support for ovarian cancer research and patient resources.
Donate
If you’d like to support this month’s charity, consider making a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Any contribution helps fund research and resources for patients and families affected by ovarian cancer.