Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and protein is a goal that many of us strive for. But even if you love filling your diet with leafy greens, lean protein, and whole grains, sometimes you just can’t fight the urge for a little dessert! That’s where sneaky recipes, like this healthy zucchini bread, come in handy. 

Created by Certified Nutrition Coach Alana Barrett, this delish dessert is packed with nourishing ingredients like banana, zucchini, protein powder, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. It’s also a perfect pick for late summer when “summer squash and zucchini are taking over farm stands and gardens,” Barrett says. 

Ready to try this healthy snack out for yourself? Scroll on for the full recipe. 

Healthy Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup almond or gluten-free flour 
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk ⁣
• 1/4 of maple syrup⁣
• 1 small banana
• 1 zucchini 
• 1 egg⁣
• 2 scoops whey⁣ protein 
• 1 tsp baking powder⁣
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2 tbsp of vanilla extract ⁣
• 1/8 tsp salt⁣
• dark chocolate chips (measure with heart) 

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients into a medium-sized bowl, and mix together. 

‍Step 3: Chop zucchini and bananas. Add to a blender or food processor. Add in wet ingredients, and pulse lightly until the mixture reaches a loose, batter-like consistency. 

Step 4: Pour the batter into a dry bowl, and mix with dry ingredients until the batter is thick and smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. 

Step 5: Line a small muffin tin or bread pan with parchment paper, and pour in the batter. Top the batter with banana and/or zucchini and a sprinkle of oats (optional). 

Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes and let it rest to cool before serving. 

Barrett says she loves to top her zucchini bread with “a drizzle of nut butter and some Greek yogurt.” 

Want more healthy and tasty recipes? Follow Alana Barrett @fit_for_alana, or check out her additional offerings here. 

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