Everyone and their uncle is making banana bread right now. So what sets this one apart? LOVE. Just kidding. You can find similar recipes online but this one is easy, delicious and kind of healthy? A bit of chocolate never hurt anyone. Except maybe dogs.
I made banana bread a few weeks ago from a recipe I found online and it was good but not exceptional annnnd it had quite a bit of sugar. I want something I can have with my morning coffee and not feel like a piece of garbage. I want to start my day off with a little treat full of fibre and goodness!
OATS ARE THE ANSWER. So are chia seeds. Chiiiaaaaaa! Have you ever had these things? You can buy them at any grocery store. I get a big bag at Costco and toss em’ into all sorts of things. They are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia Hispanica which is apparently related to mint?
Some facts about chia from Medical News Today:
- Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium.
- A 28-gram, or 1-ounce, serving of chia seeds also contains 5.6 grams of protein.
- Mixed with water, they can replace egg in vegan cooking.
- Chia seeds can be eaten cooked or raw, but they should be added to another food or soaked before eating.
You can make this recipe vegan by using chia seeds as a substitute. 1 TBSP chia plus 3 TBSP water = 1 egg. Mix this in a bowl and let soak for 10-15 before using. I ended up using 2 eggs and 1 TBSP chia in my banana bread. Don’t have chia or don’t want it? Use all eggs! This recipe is customizable. Don’t want chocolate? Toss in some nuts or dried cranberries. Do whatever the heck ya want. (within reason)
Ok let’s make this thing already.
Julia’s Oaty Chocolatey Banana Bread
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup large flake oats (or any oats. Just not minute oats or steel cut.)
1 cup flour (all purpose or gluten free)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt
3 TBSP canola oil. (you could also use coconut or avocado oil!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs (or chia substitute or combo!)
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or nuts/dried fruit)
Directions
- set oven to 350
- mix all dry ingredients in bowl
- mix wet ingredients
- mix wet into dry
- add half the chocolate chips
- pour mixture into a greased loaf pan
- top with remaining chips
- bake for 45-50 min, when toothpick comes out clean
- let cool completely
- serve and enjoy!
See? That was easy as…loaf. or bread. Or whatever this is! It’s delicious and any idiot can make it. That idiot could be you! 😉
The oats give it such a nice chewy texture and the chia seeds give it some oomph. The chocolate makes you feel decadent and in one slice you’re not eating that many chips, so don’t fret. If you feel like being a real naughty boy, slather some peanut butter on it. No matter what, it’s going to be good. So make it today! You deserve a treat because you ARE a treat.
PS: I’ve been going for morning walks to stay sane and wanted to share some of the beautiful tulips with you!
Love, Julia
eatthisandshutup.com 