Chocolate Chunk Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

This Chocolate Chunk Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is about to become your new go-to!

Packed with ripe bananas, rich chocolate chunks, and the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, this banana bread is incredibly moist, slightly healthier, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert, it’s the perfect recipe to cozy up with during those chilly mornings. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special and how you can make it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The Greek yogurt adds an incredible creaminess, making each slice melt in your mouth. Plus, the ripe bananas infuse it with natural sweetness and a beautiful texture.
• Chocolatey Goodness: Who doesn’t love a little chocolate? The large chunks of dark chocolate provide pockets of gooey, decadent goodness in every bite.
• Healthy-ish: With the addition of Greek yogurt and the natural sweetness from the bananas, this recipe offers a slightly healthier take on the classic banana bread—without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it as a snack, breakfast, or even a light dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They’re sweeter and lend the perfect flavor to your banana bread.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt: This replaces some of the fat and adds a tangy flavor, helping the bread stay moist and rich.
• 2 large eggs: For binding everything together and adding structure.
• 1/2 cup melted butter: You can use unsalted butter or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: This gives the bread a nice depth of sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your banana bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added warmth and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup chocolate chunks: Go for good-quality dark chocolate for the best results.
• Optional add-ins: You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans if you want extra crunch!

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving just a few chunks for texture. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the Greek yogurt, melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Add the Dry to the Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!

6. Fold in the Chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). If the top is getting too dark, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

• Use Ripe Bananas: The key to sweet, flavorful banana bread is using bananas that are overripe and speckled with brown spots. The more ripened, the sweeter and richer the flavor.
• Don't Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense banana bread.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like milk or white chocolate, for a fun twist.
• Make It Ahead: This banana bread keeps wonderfully for a few days, and it actually gets better the longer it sits (if you can resist eating it all at once!).

How to Store Your Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, slice it up and freeze the individual pieces. You can then defrost them one by one for a quick and delicious snack!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chunk Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is the perfect combination of sweet, chocolatey goodness and moist, fluffy texture. Whether you’re baking it to enjoy at home or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to be a hit! With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a foolproof recipe that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

So grab your bananas, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a slice (or two!) of this delicious banana bread. You won’t regret it! 

Recipe Credit: Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest