Ellie's Banana Bread with Chocolate Drizzle

This is the 5th recipe for banana bread I've shared on my blog. Over the years I've made banana bread with many additions: pecans, bourbon, peanut butter, and my all-time favorite - loads of brown sugar. Now I'm back at it again giving banana bread a healthy-ish twist by reducing the sugar, using part whole wheat flour, and replacing some of the oil with yogurt. And you know what? You would never know this is a healthier version!

This is a deliciously moist banana bread with a very nice crumb.  The best part, of course, is the chocolate drizzle. Of course, when I was putting the recipe together I was thinking 1/2 oz of chocolate? How is that going to be enough to drizzle atop the whole loaf? Well, I should have known better than to question one of Ellie Krieger's recipes because of course it turned out to be the perfect amount. Like always, Ellie has succeeded in turning another classic into a healthier and crave-worthy delight! 

If you're a fan of banana bread I would definitely give this recipe a try! The chocolate drizzle really gives this recipe a dessert feel. I found this to be very satisfying and indulgent.

Banana Bread with Chocolate Drizzle

Adapted from The Washington Post

Serves 10, makes one 9-inch loaf

1/3 cup walnut pieces (optional)

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or regular whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed light sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large, very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed (about 1 & 1/2 cups total)

2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

2 teaspoons milk, plus more if needed

1/2 ounce dark chocolate, 60% - finely chopped

Notes: I opted not to use the walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. 

If you'll be adding the walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until fragrant and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.

Whisk together the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.

Whisk together the oil, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, then whisk in the mashed bananas until well incorporated. Add to the flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in the toasted walnuts, if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake at 350 degrees until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in the pan, then transfer the loaf to a plate.

While the banana bread is cooling, combine the confectioner's sugar and the 2 teaspoons of milk in a small saucepan over low heat; stir until the sugar has dissolved.  Add the chocolate and cook, stirring, until melted and well incorporated, about 1 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, add another teaspoon or two of milk. Remove from the heat.

Drizzle or spoon the chocolate mixture over the top of the banana bread. Allow the chocolate to cool and set before slicing and serving.