I absolutely love this Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe because it’s a heavenly blend of rich peanut butter and natural banana sweetness, all without any flour! It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for when you want a treat that’s a little different from the usual loaf.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how moist and flavorful it turned out—even without flour. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free dessert or a quick snack to brighten your afternoon, this flourless banana bread will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Flour Needed: Perfect for gluten-free diets or when you’re out of flour but craving banana bread.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like ripe bananas and peanut butter for effortless baking.
- Loaded with Chocolate & Nuts: Adds delightful texture and rich flavor that makes every bite special.
- Moist & Satisfying: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day—great for meal prep or snacks on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe plays a starring role, combining natural moisture with hearty nuttiness and a touch of sweetness. Choosing ripe bananas and quality chocolate makes all the difference!
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—they bring natural sweetness and moisture so you can skip flour altogether.
- Peanut Butter: Use the “drippy” kind for best mixing and a creamy texture that keeps the bread moist.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help the bread rise thanks to the baking powder.
- Baking Powder: Gives the bread a gentle lift so it isn’t dense or heavy.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Chop them coarsely for a satisfying crunch that balances the softness.
- Dark Chocolate: Chop into chunks or chips to sprinkle on top, melting to gooey perfection as it bakes.
Variations
I love encouraging you to personalize this Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe! Whether you want to play with flavors or adjust it for dietary preferences, swapping or adding ingredients is part of the fun.
- Nut-Free Version: I swapped out nuts for sunflower seeds once, and it worked wonderfully for allergy-friendly baking without losing crunch.
- Chocolate Variations: Sometimes I switch dark chocolate for white chocolate or even add peanut butter chips to boost that nutty flavor.
- Sweetness Level: If your bananas aren’t super ripe, feel free to add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to sweeten things up.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the loaf a cozy aroma, perfect for fall mornings.
How to Make Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 320°F if you have a fan-assisted oven). While it heats, grease a loaf tin with a light spray of cooking oil—this helps the bread to release easily after baking. Trust me, you don’t want it sticking when it’s warm and delicious!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. Add the peanut butter and eggs next, mixing everything until it forms a cohesive batter. The peanut butter really amps up the moisture here, so you’ll notice that lovely, thick texture emerging.
Step 3: Add Baking Powder and Nuts
Sprinkle in the baking powder and gently fold it into the wet mix. This little ingredient gives the bread its bounce. Then, fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans for that signature nuttiness. Stir gently so you don’t break up the nuts too much.
Step 4: Pour, Top, and Bake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Top off the batter with the chopped dark chocolate—this melts beautifully and gives you those delightful gooey pockets in each slice. Bake for about 50-55 minutes. A tip I learned: if the top starts browning too fast, cover the loaf loosely with foil to avoid burning while the inside finishes baking.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bread cool fully—about 15 minutes—to help it set and make slicing a breeze. I always find the bread tastes even better after resting because the flavors get to meld. Then, slice into thick pieces and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe
- Use Super Ripe Bananas: I wait until my bananas are spotty brown — that’s when they’re sweetest and give the best flavor.
- Watch the Top Browning: Covering with foil saves your bread from burning if your oven runs hot.
- Choose Quality Peanut Butter: Natural and creamy varieties blend better and taste richer.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently to keep your bread tender and not tough.
How to Serve Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra chopped nuts on top right before serving to amp up the crunch. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds a nice touch for brunch guests without overpowering the natural flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese on the side. For a full breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a simple smoothie to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve arranged slices on a wooden board, garnished with fresh berries and mint, making a beautiful and inviting dessert platter. You can even cut the loaf into mini muffins for bite-sized treats at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually wrap the bread tightly in foil first to lock in moisture, which helps prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen sliced banana bread by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out as many slices as you need, and they keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth without drying it out, especially if you add a tiny pat of butter on top.
FAQs
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Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter makes a great substitute, giving the bread a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor. Just make sure it’s a creamy variety to keep the texture right.
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How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; when it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine), your bread is done. If chocolate gets on the toothpick, that’s okay too, but the batter shouldn’t be wet.
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Can I omit nuts if I have allergies?
Yes! You can leave out the nuts altogether or replace them with safe substitutes like seeds (pumpkin or sunflower). The chocolate adds enough texture and flavor that the nuts aren’t missed.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This specific recipe uses eggs, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can try substituting flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan peanut butter to make it vegan-friendly.
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Can I use other types of chocolate?
Definitely! Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate chunks work well. Just adjust sweetness accordingly because milk and white chocolate are sweeter than dark.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe has become one of my go-to baked goodies for when I want something cozy, simple, and bursting with flavor without fussing over flour and complicated steps. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do—warm, chocolatey, nutty slices that always bring smiles. Give it a try next time you have overripe bananas and a craving for something truly satisfying!
PrintFlourless Banana Bread with Chocolate and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Banana Bread is a moist, dense, and naturally sweetened treat, perfect for those avoiding flour or gluten. Made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and enriched with crunchy nuts and dark chocolate, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it makes a wholesome snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry and Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup drippy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (or 320°F fan). Prepare a loaf tin by spraying it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir until well blended, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Add Baking Powder and Nuts: Sprinkle in the baking powder and fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently to keep the texture chunky.
- Transfer to Loaf Tin: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased loaf tin, smoothing the top slightly for an even bake.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Scatter the chopped dark chocolate on top of the batter to create delicious chocolate pockets as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the loaf tin in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the bread finishes baking.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or any other nut of your choice.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Covering the bread with foil if top browns quickly prevents burning.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based peanut butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg