This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is insanely good! It is a healthier recipe, lower in sugar for kids, that the entire family will enjoy! It can be made gluten-free and refined-sugar free.
When I developed this recipe, I tested many combinations of ingredients…I wanted to make something lower in sugar than a “classic banana bread” that was also enjoyed by the entire family! I hope you love our favorite banana bread recipe for kids as much as we do!
Try my Baby’s First Banana Bread if you want a sugar-free banana bread for babies.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients
You will need the ingredients below to make this Kid-Friendly banana bread.
- Bananas: Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best results.
- Butter: Use salted or unsalted. Adds moisture to the bread.
- Greek Yogurt: Yogurt is a source of healthy fats and adds moisture to the banana bread. I replaced some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a healthier version! Make sure to use whole plain Greek yogurt.
- Eggs: Whole eggs add structure to the banana bread and act as a binder.
- Sugar: To add sweetness and texture, you can use turbinado sugar for a refined-sugar-free recipe or your sugar of choice. I used less sugar than most classic banana bread recipes, so this is the perfect sweetness for kids (over 2 years of age) and adults.
- Almond Flour: Added for nutritional value and moisture.
- All-purpose flour or 1:1 Gluten-Free flour blend: These provide structure and fluffiness. I have tested this banana bread with regular all-purpose flour and a gluten-free blend, and they all work.
- Baking powder: This helps the bread rise. Some banana bread recipes use baking soda alone; however, I prefer both!
- Baking soda: For light and fluffy banana bread.
- Cinnamon: For flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: I added them for flavor and because my son loves anything with chocolate chips! This is our favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and prepare a loaf pan (1lb).
- Add all dry ingredients (almond flour, all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon) to a medium-sized bowl, whisk, and reserve.
- Add the butter to a large bowl and melt it in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and Greek yogurt to the wet mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet and mix until there are no lumps of flour.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Transfer the banana bread mixture to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle more chocolate chips.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. (If the banana bread is browning too much, add aluminum foil after 45 minutes.)
Recipe Tips for Success
- Prepare a loaf pan using baking spray and parchment paper. The baking spray will stick the parchment paper to the loaf pan, making it easier to spread the bread mixture.
- If the loaf gets too dark around the 45-minute mark, you can cover it with aluminum foil to finish baking. This will depend on your oven.
- For younger kids, cut the banana bread into cubes. This is a great sweet treat to add to lunch boxes!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep the banana bread in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Once cooled, slice the banana bread, place a piece of parchment paper between slices, put them in a Ziploc bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave.
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions
Greek yogurt: If you don’t wish to use yogurt, replace the amount with butter or coconut oil.
Serve as a snack at home or on the go! Pair with fruit and a source of hydration for a complete snack for kids over 2 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6. This is a lower-sugar recipe, so when eaten in moderation, it is a healthy snack for both kids and adults.
This recipe is a great way to use overripe bananas. You can also slice and freeze them to use later in baked goods or ice cream recipes!
More Recipes That You May Like
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🥣Recipe
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas overripe
- 1/2 cup butter measured at room temperature
- 1/3 cup greek yogurt plain whole milk
- 2/3 cup turbinado sugar or granulated, brown, coconut
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour or 1:1 gluten free flour blend
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips plus more to sprinkle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 356F (180C) and prepare a loaf pan (1lb).
- Add all dry ingredients (almond flour, all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon) to a medium-sized bowl, whisk, and reserve.
- Add the butter to a large bowl and melt it in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and Greek yogurt to the wet mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet and mix until there are no lumps of flour.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Transfer the banana bread mixture to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle more chocolate chips.
- Bake for 60 min or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Prepare a loaf pan using baking spray and parchment paper. The baking spray will stick the parchment paper to the pan, making it easier to spread the bread mixture.
- If the loaf starts getting too dark around the 45-minute mark, loosely wrap a piece of aluminum foil over the top to prevent it from getting browner.
- Cut the bread into cubes for younger kids; this is great to add to lunch boxes as a sweet treat!
The best one we have tried!
Glad to hear that you loved this recipe! Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment 🙂
I made this banana bread and it is so moist and it has just the perfect level of sweetness. Will definitely be making again, thanks!
Hi Emma! I am so happy to hear that you approved this recipe! Thanks for commenting!