Cocoa Banana Walnut Bread
Enjoy a healthy treat with this special banana bread that’s packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients like cocoa and walnuts.
60 Minutes
to prep and bake
291 cal
per serving*
Serves 8
Makes about 8 servings.
Overview
Study after study reinforces the delicious idea that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for you (in moderation, of course). This banana bread recipe is made with cocoa powder, so you can reap the health benefits of dark chocolate without its bitter taste or extra fat or sugar. Plus enjoy additional nutrients from banana, walnuts and low-fat yogurt.
To make this recipe you will need a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, two mixing bowls, a sifter and a mixing spoon.
Nutrition information (per serving)*: Total Fat (15.3g); Carbohydrates (38g); Sodium (343mg); Sugar (18g); Fiber (5g); Cholesterol (48mg); Protein (7g)
Ingredients
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. allspice
2 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1/3 cup canola or grape seed oil
2 Tbsp. molasses
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚ F and grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and allspice.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs, then stir in sugar, yogurt, oil, molasses, bananas and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix gently. Fold in walnuts.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool several minutes before unmolding.
Arthritis-Friendly Bonuses
- Walnuts have the most omega-3 content of any nuts, and researchers have found they lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Eating walnuts regularly can lower cholesterol, relax blood vessels to lessen stress on the heart and reduce blood pressure.
- Bananas are great for digestive and heart health because of their fiber and antioxidant content. They’re also high in magnesium and potassium which is helpful for improving kidney and heart health. Keeping the heart healthy is especially important for those with inflammatory arthritis who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is packed with antioxidants called polyphenols. The higher the percentage of cocoa in a bar, the higher the concentration of polyphenols.
*Disclaimer: All nutritional information provided is approximate and based on USDA measurements. Actual amounts may vary based on exact ingredients used, how they are prepared and serving size.
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