Delicious and Healthy Chocolate Banana Oat Loaf
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup or 240g)
- 1 cup oat flakes (90g)
- ¼ cup condensed milk (50g)
- ½ cup yogurt (150g)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (15g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 40g chocolate (1.4 oz), chopped or in chips
- ¼ cup walnuts (30g), roughly chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add condensed milk and yogurt to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oat flakes, cocoa powder, and baking powder until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Chocolate and Walnuts: Gently fold in chopped chocolate and walnuts.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy a slice as a satisfying snack or for breakfast.
- Top with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
- Toast slices and spread with almond butter for an extra treat.
Cooking Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness.
- Ensure even distribution of chocolate and walnuts for a consistent taste.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds together well.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber.
- Oats are rich in beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol.
- Cocoa powder offers antioxidants that can boost mood.
- Yogurt adds probiotics and calcium.
- Walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan: Substitute yogurt with a non-dairy alternative and use a plant-based sweetener.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or replace with seeds if needed.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 10 slices):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before eating.