Healthy Chocolate Bread

Healthy Chocolate Bread is a deliciously moist and fluffy loaf made with wholesome ingredients like spelt flour, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners. Studded with rich dark chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios, this guilt-free treat is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Chocolate Bread has everything you love about chocolate desserts—without the refined ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, uses nutrient-rich whole grain flour, and gets its rich flavor from real cacao or cocoa powder. The pistachios add a salty crunch that beautifully balances the sweetness and chocolatey richness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep and simple steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 14 ounces can coconut milk, full fat

• 1/2 cup cacao or cocoa powder

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 3/4 cups spelt or whole wheat flour

• 3/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips, divided

• 1/2 cup salted pistachios, chopped

• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with unbleached parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a medium pot, heat the coconut milk until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat, add cacao powder, and whisk until smooth and lump-free.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey or maple syrup, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the flour and stir gently just until no white flour patches remain. Let the batter sit for 3 minutes.

5. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips and all of the chopped pistachios. Batter will be slightly runny.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.

7. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing with a serrated bread knife.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 slices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pistachios or replace them with sunflower seeds or more chocolate chips.

• Different Sweeteners: Try using coconut sugar or agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the spelt or whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs for a vegan version.

• Add Fruit: Fold in chopped dates, dried cranberries, or mashed banana for added natural sweetness.

• Extra Protein: Add a scoop of unflavored or chocolate protein powder and adjust the liquid slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the chocolate bread covered in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. After that, transfer it to the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly.

FAQs

How do I know when the chocolate bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full fat?

You can, but the texture will be less moist and rich compared to using full-fat coconut milk.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based version.

What can I substitute for spelt flour?

Whole wheat flour or a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend are great alternatives.

Can I omit the chocolate chips or pistachios?

Yes, you can leave them out or substitute with nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.

Is this bread overly sweet?

No, it’s lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup and balanced by the dark chocolate and pistachios.

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

It’s not recommended as coconut milk contributes to the moist texture and rich flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes, pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 325°F for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Healthy Chocolate Bread is a perfect combination of indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a better-for-you dessert or a satisfying snack, this bread offers chocolatey goodness in every bite. With easy substitutions and storage options, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for chocolate lovers who want to keep things nutritious.