A luscious, moist, and heart-healthy Mediterranean-inspired dessert that brings together ripe bananas, rich cocoa, olive oil, and crunchy walnuts — a perfect balance of natural sweetness, antioxidants, and wholesome goodness. This loaf is free of refined sugar and butter, making it a guilt-free indulgence you’ll love with your morning coffee or after-dinner tea.

🍌 Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large ripe bananas (spotty ones are best)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (adds Mediterranean richness)
  • ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a lighter texture)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Add-ins & Toppings:

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (70% cocoa or higher)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling on top)

🍯 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth but slightly chunky for texture.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture until just combined.
Do not overmix — this keeps the loaf moist and tender.

5. Add the Good Stuff

Fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.
The walnuts add a Mediterranean crunch and healthy fats, while the dark chocolate gives a rich depth.

6. Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle extra walnuts and chocolate chunks on top.

7. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

8. Cool and Drizzle

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and a few drops of olive oil for that glossy Mediterranean finish.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy warm with a drizzle of Greek yogurt and honey.
  • Pair with Turkish coffee or mint tea for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
  • Slice and freeze leftovers for a quick, nutritious snack.

❤️ Mediterranean Health Highlights

  • Olive oil: rich in antioxidants and healthy fats
  • Walnuts: boost brain health and heart function
  • Cocoa: contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation
  • Bananas: naturally sweet and full of potassium

🍽️ Chef’s Tips

  • For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water).
  • Add a handful of dried figs or dates for extra Mediterranean flair.
  • Dust lightly with sea salt flakes after drizzling chocolate for a gourmet touch.