Delicious Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread Recipe to Try

Picture a cozy afternoon, the scent of baked goods wafting through the air, a soft fall breeze rustling the leaves outside your window. There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of freshly baked bread to make a regular day feel special. Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread brings together the rich flavors of ripe bananas and chocolate chips with a surprising twist of vibrant spinach, creating a delightful loaf that’s both nutritious and delicious.

The inspiration behind this recipe stems from the quest to make a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor. While banana bread is a beloved staple in many homes, adding spinach not only boosts its nutritional profile but also brings a beautiful green hue to the loaf, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or an afternoon snack. What truly makes this recipe unique is its ease of preparation and the delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Packed: This banana bread provides a serving of greens without sacrificing flavor, making it a wholesome choice for breakfast or a snack.
• Quick and Easy: With simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade bread ready in no time.
• Kid-Approved: The sweetness of the bananas and chocolate chips masks the spinach, making it a sneaky way to get your kids to eat their greens.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for brunch, a picnic, or a decadent dessert, this bread fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas: The bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and essential flavor, forming the base of your loaf.
• 1 cup fresh spinach: Packed with vitamins, the spinach adds nutritional value while its mild flavor blends beautifully into the bread.
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil: This oil keeps the bread moist and adds a hint of tropical flavor, making each slice delightful.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the deep flavors of the banana.
• 2 large eggs: They act as binding agents, providing structure and moisture to the bread.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile and adds a comforting aroma to your bread.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, flour gives it the right texture. You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if desired.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for leavening, it helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the loaf.
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: The pièce de résistance! They melt into gooey pockets of goodness that make this bread irresistibly tasty.

Optional Additions

• Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
• Cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon can introduce a warm, comforting flavor that pairs well with bananas.
• Other Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with dried fruits or seeds to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Special Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: Serve slices topped with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and freshness.
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add creaminess and a delicious tang, perfect for a nutritious breakfast.
• Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint can brighten the dish, adding an unexpected twist to your presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s how to whip up your very own Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread:

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with a little coconut oil or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Blend the spinach: In a blender or food processor, add the fresh spinach and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
3. Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate the spinach: Fold the blended spinach into the banana mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.
5. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
6. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly scattered throughout the batter.
7. Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now that your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked banana bread, it’s time to slice and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Your Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread is best served warm, maybe with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even for dessert. Here are some tips for serving and storing:

• Serving: Slice the loaf into thick pieces and consider pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Helpful Tips

• Choose overripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. The darker the banana peel, the sweeter the bread!
• Adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your sweet preference. You can even try dark chocolate for a slightly less sweet option.
• If you like your spinaches a bit more prominent, don’t hesitate to add an extra handful to the mix; the flavor will still meld deeply into the loaf.
• The batter can also be made ahead of time. Just remember to give it a good mix before pouring it into the loaf pan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before blending.

Is it necessary to use chocolate chips?

While chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness and flavor, you can omit them if you prefer a healthier version or substitute with carob chips for a caffeine-free option.

Can I make this banana bread vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a plant-based oil instead of coconut oil.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread is not just a delicious treat; it’s an experience in flavor and nutrition. The combination of sweet bananas, rich chocolate, and vibrant spinach creates a memorable loaf that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save some for later, this recipe is sure to make your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming.

Now that you have the recipe, we encourage you to give it a try and share your experiences or adaptations in the comments below. Every loaf tells a story—what will yours say? Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and create lasting memories around your table!

Delicious Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread Recipe to Try

Print Recipe

Try this Delicious Chocolate Chip Spinach Banana Bread Recipe A unique twist for a moist flavorful treat thats quick to make and irresistible

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 ripe bananas

1 cup fresh spinach

1/3 cup melted coconut oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans, cinnamon, dried fruits, seeds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with a little coconut oil or lining it with parchment paper.

In a blender or food processor, add the fresh spinach and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Fold the blended spinach into the banana mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly scattered throughout the batter.

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Author: souzanfood
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• minutes: 10
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 160 calories
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

Keywords: banana bread, chocolate chip, spinach, healthy recipe, baked goods, dessert