This whole wheat chocolate poppy seed banana bread is nutritious, subtly sweet, nutty, dark, and moist. Serve warm or cold with a thin spread of cream cheese or jam. It's easy to whip up with minimal effort.
Phew! It's beginning to look like my home again. We've had one Reno after another, and it has been so chaotic following my schedule. I can hardly get anything done. School is out, which means more curricular activities for my son, plus his birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and I am yet to start planning.
I firmly believe I am biting off more than I can chew, considering I plan on baking the birthday cakes, you heard me right! I intend to make at least two three-layered cakes and two dozen cupcakes, plus finger foods and a mocktail, and… okay! I've lost it. I will keep you posted on whether I manage to pull it off!
So, the other day, I was in the mood to turn on the oven despite the heat. My sweet tooth was in full effect. I wasn't going to yield to my cravings every time that sweet tooth comes calling! Considering how much ice cream I demolished the night before (and the night before that, but come on that pineapple coconut häagen-dazs is undeniably moreish).
I was trying to resist the sugar hankering. However, I could not ignore those sweet bananas in the kitchen going decidedly mushy, calling me to make a loaf of irresistible banana bread. I've been contemplating using whole wheat to make banana bread for a while now; today felt like the right time to attempt it.
Quick question, is there anything better than chocolate? No, really.
Well, allow me to introduce you to my newfound love! Whole wheat chocolate poppy seed banana bread. I know one heck of a long title, but a bite of this loaf will melt away any irritation or distress you might be experiencing at the moment. My family and friends swear by this wholewheat chocolate banana bread recipe, and my son thinks it's chocolate cake, don't tell him.
Generally speaking, this recipe is so quick to whip up that you’ll find yourself reaching for it every time. No complicated tools are needed; it's banana bread, just a little fancy (•_•). You can devour it in a day or freeze the rest for later; by then, I would probably be baking my fifth loaf; hey! Don't judge me! It's addictive! Try it and see for yourself.
Can I Use Other Vegetables for the Wholewheat Chocolate Banana Bread?
This bread is versatile. You can use zucchini, plantains, blueberry, pumpkin, beets, carrots, broccoli, and a host of other vegetables.
Remember that whole wheat absorbs moisture, so if you don't want a dry and hard loaf, use the exact measurements the recipe calls for or be generous with the yogurt or sour cream. If making it dairy-free, use more applesauce. Also, don't forget to squeeze out any excess water from any of the vegetables mentioned above that has higher water content; failure to do this will yield a dense loaf.
Can I Make this Loaf in Muffin Tins?
Yes, you can. I usually use one 9" x 5" non-stick loaf pan to make my bread or four mini loaf pans. To cut down the time for this recipe, you can use two loaf pans or muffin tins. For the muffin tins, it should take approximately 15-20 minutes to cook in a 350°F oven and about 30 minutes for mini loaf pans. To be safe, always test for even baking by inserting a skewer in the center of the pan; if it comes out clean, it's baked; if wet, allow more time and check at intervals with the same method.
There you have it! Nutritious whole wheat chocolate poppy seed banana bread. If you love banana bread, I guarantee you'll be obsessed with this nutty plantain bread here!
Do you have a favorite fruit or vegetable you add when baking to make it healthy or healthy-ish? Please share in the comment section below.
Please tag us on Instagram or Facebook if you tried it. I'll love to see how it turned out. Don't forget to Pin it for later! Bon appetit!
WHOLE WHEAT CHOCOLATE POPPYSEED BANANA BREAD
Ingredients
- 2½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 teaspoon allspice (optional)
- ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds+ more for topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup canola oil
- 4 overripe bananas
- ¼ cup milk (water is fine, too)
- ¼ cup sour cream (yogurt or applesauce works fine)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnut, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease and line the bottom of one loaf pan (9″x5″) with parchment paper.
- Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, allspice, and cocoa powder into a bowl. Stir in the poppyseeds.
- Mash the bananas using a masher or fork and set aside.
- Mix the sugar, oil, and eggs in a separate bowl. Stir in the mashed bananas, milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Mix until well combined. Gradually stir the sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture until well combined. Add the walnuts and fold in to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, sprinkle some poppy seeds and nuts on top (optional), level the top, and bake for 60-80minutes until risen and thoroughly cooked. (To check if the bread is cooked through, insert a skewer in the middle of the bread and pull it out immediately. If the skewer comes out clean, the bread is done. if not, place it back in the oven for 10 minutes and test again.)
- Remove the bread from the loaf tin and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Remove the parchment paper once cooled. Serve or refrigerate
- **This bread freezes well, and can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Kristy Bullard says
This bread sounds amazing! I love banana bread and I’ve been looking for a good recipe!
Maureen Celestine says
Me, too Kristy! I make it every other week, and it never gets boring. I hope you like my recipe! It's been tried and tested over and over again.
Lissy says
O.M.G. This looks AMAZING! I've definitely got to try this!
Maureen Celestine says
Please do Lissy, I believe you'll love it! Thanks..
Jessica says
OMG! I need this in my life NOW! It looks so good and easy to make. I will definitely be putting it on the list of things to make soon.
Maureen Celestine says
LoL Jessica, yes, it's totally easy to make. Give it a try. Thanks!
Divya says
HI, this looks soo yummy, am going to try this weekend, Can I replace canola oil with any other oil or butter?
Maureen Celestine says
Hi Divya, absolutely! You can substitute canola oil with any neutral tasting oil. Butter is fine, too. I use oil because it keeps the cake moist and less dense. Please, let me know how you like it when you do. Thanks!
Elizabeth O says
Oh my this looks incredibly delicious indeed! I like how easy it seems to make too, definitely one to try for sure.
Maureen Celestine says
Yes, Elizabeth, way too easy not to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by.
Lisa Rios says
Whole wheat is so much healthier than regular flour. I love chocolate and banana as a combination! It is delicious!
Maureen Celestine says
So true, Lisa. Whole wheat is a healthier option and you can barely taste the difference. Banana and chocolate combo is a match made in dessert heaven! Thanks.
Alexa says
That looks so moist and Delicious! I haven't had poppyseeds in so long!
Maureen Celestine says
Thanks, Alexa. Poppyseed is slowly becoming my favorite.
Geraline Batarra says
Anything about chocolates is a big YES for me and this WHOLE WHEAT CHOCOLATE POPPYSEED BANANA BREAD looks really delicious and it looks so simple to make. I will definitely try this and I am sure my kids will love it!
Maureen Celestine says
Yes! Geraline, chocolate is always a good idea. Oh, I am pretty sure it will be a hit with the kids, mine devoured a few slices within minutes. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer Prince says
That looks oh so delicious!! And what a combination of flavors. Yum! And your photography is so lovely, too. Perfect!!
Maureen Celestine says
Thanks, Jennifer! I am glad you like the photography. The flavor combination is oh, so good.
Ann F. Snook-Moreau says
I actually just made whole wheat banana bread last week! This recipe sounds so rich and amazing . . . anything with chocolate has my attention! haha
Maureen Celestine says
LoL Ann,chocolate is the way to my heart. Great to hear you also made yours with whole wheat, I love the texture it adds to the loaf.
Evelyn, PathofPresence says
This looks amazing, and you are amazing! I am always in awe of a great baker particularly because I don’t bake. The long name and description only makes my mouth water more. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Maureen Celestine says
Awww, thanks Evelyn for the compliment. Baking is therapeutic for me. I am glad I made your mouth water, that's always my intention😬.
Priscilla says
Love this recipe! I literally have every ingredient in my pantry right now. It doesn't get any easier than that! 'Ill definitly be making this as part of my meal prep next week.
Maureen Celestine says
Yes Priscilla,basic pantry ingredients for the win! Making this for meal prep is definitely a great idea. Let me know how you like it. 😉
Liz Cochico says
Oh wow, the bread looks amazing and I'm sure it's delicious. I can't wait to try the recipe.
Maureen Celestine says
It sure is, Liz, I have a feeling you'd love it!
Maureen Celestine says
Thanks, Liz. I bet you'd love it!
Jordan Nunamaker says
The only thing that I can think of that's better than chocolate is double chocolate! Or triple chocolate! This looks so yummy, it made my mouth water 🙂
Maureen Celestine says
hahaha! You got that right Jordan! Nothing compares to triple chocolate (anything), LoL. Thanks.
Nina says
i love the combination of the chocolate and banana 🙂 it is whole wheat and poppyseed infused - very fascinating recipe i will give it a try 🙂
Maureen Celestine says
Mee too! Nina, Chocolate, and banana are a match made in culinary heaven. Please let me know how you like when you do. Thanks.
eliza says
Oh boy!.. I would love to taste this once I'm done following your recipe. I was so into a banana chocolate cake, and I even patronize a local bake shop because they seem to get the taste that I wanted. But for this banana chocolate bread, I'm sure - I'm gonna love this, Thanks for sharing.
Maureen Celestine says
My pleasure, Eliza, I hope this one knocks the socks off the bake shop one you love...Fingers crossed LoL. Thanks for stopping by.
Angelle says
Saving this recipe!!! Banana Nut bread is one of my favorites. I luvs that you added chocolate!!
Xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Maureen Celestine says
Thanks, Angelle. I am glad to hear that, it's my favorite, too.