Low Carb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This banana bread is everything you want in a cozy baked treat moist, rich with ripe banana flavor, and studded with bittersweet dark chocolate chunks. It’s made with a nourishing blend of almond and oat flour, keeping things gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

Not only is it low in carbohydrates and almost entirely sugar free, but it’s also a joy to prepare using just one bowl. Whether you’re watching your blood sugar or just looking for a deliciously guilt-free snack, this banana loaf delivers on all fronts. Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (approx. 240g)

• 3 large eggs

• 75g full-fat Greek yoghurt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 90g xylitol (or erythritol)

• 250g almond flour

• 50g oat flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 100g dark chocolate chunks/chips (70% cacao or more)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C Fan) / 375°F. Grease and line a loaf tin.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.

3. Add the eggs, Greek yoghurt, vanilla extract, and xylitol to the bananas and whisk well.

4. Add almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.

5. Fold in most of the dark chocolate chunks, reserving a few for topping.

6. Pour batter into the loaf tin and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks on top.

7. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean (avoid chocolate chunks while testing).

8. Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 220 kcal per slice
Servings: 10 slices

Why Low Carb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is the Perfect Guilt-Free Treat

Banana bread has long held a special place in the hearts of home bakers and food lovers alike. Its rich aroma, moist texture, and nostalgic flavor make it a timeless classic. But for those navigating the complexities of blood sugar management, carb counting, or simply seeking a more balanced lifestyle, traditional banana bread can pose a nutritional challenge.

Enter: Low Carb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread a reimagined version of the beloved loaf that marries indulgence with thoughtful ingredients. This recipe from Whole Hearty Kitchen is more than just a tasty baked good; it’s a functional treat designed with wellness in mind. Free from refined sugar and gluten, and made with nutrient-dense flours, this loaf proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track with your health goals.

A Thoughtful Approach to Baking

What makes this banana bread particularly special is its one-bowl simplicity, combined with a carefully curated set of ingredients that deliver both satisfaction and nutrition. Rather than relying on all-purpose flour and sugar both of which can spike blood glucose this recipe uses almond flour, oat flour, Greek yoghurt, and a natural sweetener like xylitol or erythritol.

The result? A banana bread that maintains a soft, moist crumb and rich flavor profile without compromising on health. Each slice comes with significantly fewer carbs and sugars than its traditional counterpart, making it ideal for those managing diabetes or following a low-carb or keto-leaning lifestyle.

Why It’s Low Carb and Why That Matters

One of the standout features of this recipe is its low carbohydrate count. On average, a slice of this banana bread contains around 11g of carbs a fraction of what you might find in a standard banana loaf. The reduction in carbs is achieved through strategic ingredient choices:

• Almond flour replaces conventional flour, offering healthy fats and zero net carbs for many diabetics.

• Oat flour, while a carbohydrate source, brings soluble fiber and a lower glycemic load than white flour.

• Natural sweeteners like xylitol or erythritol provide the sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.

• Dark chocolate chunks (with 70% cacao or higher) contain far less sugar than milk chocolate and provide antioxidants to boot.

For individuals with diabetes, carb control is a crucial part of daily life. But even for those without blood sugar issues, reducing refined carbohydrates can lead to more stable energy levels, better focus, and fewer cravings throughout the day.

The Nutritional Power of Key Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the key ingredients in this banana bread not just healthier, but also more functional:

1. Almond Flour

Almond flour is a low-carb, high-protein alternative to wheat flour. It’s rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats. It also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels. Its natural fat content helps keep baked goods moist without needing extra oil or butter.

2. Oat Flour

Oat flour adds a light, tender texture while contributing soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is known for supporting heart health and improving blood sugar control. While it does contain carbs, these are more slowly digested and absorbed than those in traditional flours.

3. Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt adds moisture and protein to the loaf, making it more filling. It also brings a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate. Look for full-fat Greek yoghurt to help support satiety and blood sugar regulation.

4. Xylitol or Erythritol

These natural sugar alcohols are popular low-carb sweeteners. Xylitol has a glycemic index of 7 (compared to sugar’s 60–70), while erythritol is virtually zero. Both mimic the sweetness of sugar with little to no effect on insulin levels.

5. Dark Chocolate Chunks

Using chocolate with at least 70% cacao reduces the overall sugar content and provides antioxidants like flavonoids. These compounds are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation. Plus, who doesn’t love the rich, decadent pockets of chocolate in a warm slice of banana bread?

Taste and Texture That Rival Traditional Bakes

Despite its health-conscious ingredient list, this banana bread delivers all the warm, comforting goodness of the original. The mashed bananas create a naturally sweet base and contribute moisture that’s enhanced by the Greek yoghurt and almond flour. The crumb is tender yet dense enough to hold together beautifully.

The chocolate chunks melt into the loaf as it bakes, creating little pockets of rich, bittersweet flavor in every bite. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth, elevating the banana flavor and making the whole loaf feel cozy and indulgent.

The best part? You won’t even realize it’s low carb. There’s no weird aftertaste from the sweeteners, no grainy texture from the flours, and absolutely no compromise on flavor. It’s banana bread but better.

How to Customize It for Any Diet

This banana bread recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to suit a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Nut-Free? Swap almond flour with sunflower seed flour or tigernut flour (note: these may slightly alter the taste and carb content).

• Dairy-Free? Use a thick coconut yoghurt in place of Greek yoghurt.

• Keto-Friendly? Reduce or omit the oat flour entirely and use more almond flour. Be sure to use erythritol as your sweetener.

• Add-Ins? Try chopped walnuts, unsweetened shredded coconut, or a few raspberries for variety.

You can also double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later a smart option for busy weeks or spontaneous cravings.

Storage and Freezing Tips

This banana bread keeps well at room temperature for 2–3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to wrap it in parchment paper to maintain its moisture.

Want to freeze it? Absolutely! Just slice the loaf first and wrap individual slices in parchment, then store them in a zip-lock freezer bag. This way, you can take out one slice at a time, pop it in the toaster or microwave, and enjoy a homemade treat with minimal effort.

Conclusion: 

Low Carb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is more than a recipe it’s a reflection of how baking can evolve to meet modern wellness goals without giving up tradition or pleasure. It brings together the comforting familiarity of banana bread with ingredients that nourish your body and support healthy blood sugar levels.

Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your carb intake, or simply striving for a more balanced lifestyle, this banana loaf offers an incredibly satisfying way to stay on track. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be about restriction it can be rich, warm, flavorful, and full of joy.

So, go ahead bake a loaf, share a slice, and savor the best of both worlds.