Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I'm a believer in the idea that one can never have enough banana bread recipes.  I love me some banana bread, but lets face it, it's not exactly diet food and after my week in Mexico and the upcoming trip I need to check myself before I wreck myself!  This bread is a perfect way to feel like you're having a little treat but without the guilt.  Plus it's delicious and the rest of my family has no idea it's healthy!!

 

Here's the recipe:

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Adapted from King Arthur Flour

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

3 tbsp light brown sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups mashed ripe bananas

1/4 cup honey

2 large eggs

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, beath together the butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.  Add the bananas, honey, and eggs, beating until smooth.  Add the flour, then the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth.  Spoon the batter into a lightly greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, smoothing the top.  Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.  Bake the bread for 50 minutes, then gently lay a piece of aluminum foil across the top, to prevent over-browning.  Bake for an additional 10 m inutes, then remove the bread from the oven; a long toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean.  Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan, and cooling it completely on a rack.