This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is indulgent, yet still relatively guilt-free! With ripe bananas and cocoa powder, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a chocolatey treat while staying on track with your WW plan.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (to reduce fat)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or a WW-friendly option)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 egg whites for fewer points)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (dark chocolate or a lower-sugar variety)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the applesauce, sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix well until smooth.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top for decoration if desired.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
  8. Cool & Slice: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

WW Points (Approximate):

  • SmartPoints: This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is about 3-5 SmartPoints per slice, depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the type of sweetener and chocolate chips). You can lower the points by using fewer chocolate chips or choosing a lower-calorie sweetener.

Pro Tips:

  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetener, depending on your preference. The ripe bananas already add a lot of natural sweetness!
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add some chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch, but keep in mind that will slightly increase the points.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for a quick grab-and-go snack!

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent—great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Enjoy the rich chocolate flavor with a boost of banana goodness!