Chocolate Banana Bread with Oat Flour

This Chocolate Oat Flour Banana Bread is moist, deeply chocolatey, and studded with chocolate chips. If you love chocolate and banana bread, this naturally gluten-free version made with oat flour is a delicious twist worth trying.

Chocolate Oat Flour Banana Bread

After several rounds of testing this chocolate oat flour banana bread, the texture and flavor finally feel just right. The oat flour gives the loaf a moist, tender crumb reminiscent of baked oatmeal while adding fiber and a bit more protein than traditional wheat flour. It’s a satisfying choice for anyone seeking a naturally gluten-free banana bread. This version also doubles down on chocolate with cocoa powder in the batter and plenty of chocolate chips throughout.

Banana bread ingredients (overview)

• Oat flour: I use oat flour for extra protein and fiber and to keep the bread gluten-free—use certified gluten-free oat flour if necessary.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the loaf its rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents help the loaf rise and stay tender.
• Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Bananas: Three medium extra-ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed) provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs: Two large eggs bind the batter.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a touch of flavor—honey can be substituted.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
• Chocolate chips: I use sugar-free semi-sweet chips, but use whatever chocolate chips you prefer.

How to make chocolate oat flour banana bread

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×4 loaf pan and line it with a piece of parchment for easy removal, if desired.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and slightly liquid. Whisk in the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, and bake at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Variations and tips

• Sweetener swap: Replace maple syrup with honey if preferred.
• Less chocolate: Omit chocolate chips for a milder, cocoa-only loaf.
• Muffins: Pour batter into a greased muffin tin and bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F for chocolate oat flour banana muffins.
• Make ahead: Double the recipe to gift or freeze a loaf for later use.
• Baking tips: Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added—overmixing can make the texture dense. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Storage

Allow the bread to cool completely. Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to three months. Wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil and thaw in the refrigerator or microwave until warm when ready to serve.

Oat flour FAQ

Why use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Oat flour is naturally gluten-free when certified, and it delivers more protein and fiber than refined all-purpose flour. It gives quick breads a tender, moist crumb and carries a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with banana and chocolate.

Is oat flour as nutritious as rolled oats?

Oat flour is simply ground oats, so it retains the nutrition of whole rolled oats, including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like manganese and copper. It’s a whole-grain option that works well in many quick-bread recipes.

More banana bread ideas

• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Roasted Strawberry Banana Bread
• Petit Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Loaves
• Banana Cranberry Bread
• Pumpkin Pecan Banana Bread