If you are searching for a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that’s both wholesome and satisfying, this Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Using almond flour provides a tender crumb and a lovely nutty undertone, while ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture that make every bite simply irresistible. The addition of rich dark chocolate chips scattered throughout creates a perfect balance of fruity and indulgent, making this banana bread a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, comforting slice of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create its beautiful texture and rich flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the perfectly ripe bananas that lend sweetness and moisture, to the almond flour that keeps it delightfully soft and gluten-free.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing your pan to ensure easy release of the bread once baked.
- 3 medium ripe bananas: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and add structure to the bread.
- 1/4 cup (55g) light or dark brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Gives a rich sweetness and keeps the bread moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 1/2 cups (250g) super-fine almond flour: The gluten-free base that gives the bread its tender crumb and nutty taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom: A unique spice that brings a subtle exotic twist.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and creates a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 heaping cup (105g) dark chocolate chips: For that melty chocolate surprise in every bite.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 1-pound loaf pan (roughly 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches) with nonstick cooking spray. This prep is important to ensure your bread releases effortlessly after baking, preserving its beautiful shape and texture.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, peel and mash three medium ripe bananas until smooth. Using an electric mixer gives you a silky purée with no lumps, but a fork works perfectly fine too. You want about 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas that will infuse your bread with moistness and natural sweetness.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Together
Add two large eggs to the banana purée and beat until fully combined. Then stir in 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. These ingredients work together to enrich the flavor, add sweetness, and keep your banana bread wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups super-fine almond flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt over your wet mixture. Stir the dry ingredients gently to combine before folding them into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Scrape the sides and bottom thoroughly to ensure everything comes together evenly without overmixing.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in half a heaping cup of rich dark chocolate chips. These little pockets of melted chocolate are what make this Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe so utterly magical and indulgent. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 70 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and firm to the touch. Insert a knife into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs and melted chocolate, but no wet batter. The bread inside will stay perfectly moist thanks to the almond flour and bananas.
Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least an hour. Once cooled, run a butter knife around the edges carefully and tip the loaf out. Set it upright to serve or store. This rest time allows the bread to set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Freshly sliced bananas arranged alongside add a fresh fruity note and make the presentation extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a smear of nut butter, or a drizzle of honey. For a brunch spread, serve with fresh berries and a side of creamy cottage cheese to balance the sweet richness of the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting individual slices lightly and spreading with softened butter or cream cheese for a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can even transform leftover slices into decadent bread pudding or use them as a base for a quick dessert topped with ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe keeps wonderfully on the counter when wrapped tightly or stored in a lidded container for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the bread for up to six days to enjoy its moist texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer bag. It freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-30 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness and melt the chocolate chips just enough to enjoy a comforting treat. Be careful not to overheat, or it can dry out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
This recipe relies on almond flour for its unique moistness and gluten-free texture, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour if you prefer. Note the texture will be denser and less tender, so adjust baking time as needed.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be, plus they mash easily into a smooth purée.
Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance?
Absolutely! Using almond flour makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten or simply wanting a grain-free alternative.
Can I substitute the dark chocolate chips for something else?
You can swap in milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts if you like. Just remember these changes might subtly alter the sweetness and texture of the bread.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
The top should be a deep golden brown and feel firm when pressed gently. A knife inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs and melted chocolate, but no raw batter. This timing ensures a moist, tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is a little slice of heaven that blends wholesome ingredients with decadence in every bite. It’s simple enough for weekday breakfasts but special enough for sharing with friends or family. Once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again because it’s just that good. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re about to make your kitchen smell like pure comfort and joy.
PrintAlmond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
A moist and flavorful Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread packed with ripe bananas, warm spices, and rich dark chocolate chips. This gluten-free quick bread is sweetened naturally with brown sugar and maple syrup, making it a perfect easy breakfast or snack option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Total Time: 85 mins
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Baking Essentials
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (55g) light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (250g) super-fine almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 heaping cup (105g) dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 1-pound (8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch) loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel the bananas and transfer them to a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth with no lumps, about 1 1/2 cups of purée. Alternatively, mash thoroughly with a fork.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and blend using an electric mixer or fork until fully combined. Then add the brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing again until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the almond flour, ground cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, and kosher salt on top of the wet mixture. Use a fork to mix the dry ingredients together briefly, then fold everything with a rubber spatula until just combined, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed through the batter.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 70 minutes, until the top is deeply browned and feels firm, and a knife inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs and some melted chocolate. The interior will remain moist.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully remove the loaf and place upright on a cooling rack or plate.
- Storage: Store in a lidded container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days.
Notes
- Use super-fine almond flour for the best texture and moisture balance.
- Don’t overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender.
- The banana bread’s top will be deeply brown but this caramelization adds flavor – do not worry if it looks dark.
- Check doneness with a knife; a little moist crumb on the blade indicates perfect texture.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing helps it hold together better.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and makes a delicious breakfast or snack.