Insanely delicious Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread lightened up and made gluten free with whole grains, Greek yogurt & applesauce. This creamy, low calorie bread is what a chocolate lover’s dreams are made of!
Monday! You came too soon. I need another weekend or two before I can deal with you. Okay, maybe I feel that way every week, but this week in particular I’m feeling all over the place. Good thing I have something sweetalicious to share with you! Between enrolling in school, dealing with financial aid, addressing legal stuff, applying for freelance work, studying for my CPT exam, blogging, cooking, etc, I’m feeling spread thin and it’s only one month into the new year. I’m beginning to question the goals I set for myself this year. To be honest, I’m feeling a lot conflicted right now. Not to mention, a big surprise popped up last week making this new journey of mine even more difficult.
I already had my set myself on a certain path and now I’m questioning that path. When bad things happen, I try to turn them around quickly by working toward something positive. You know…the whole make lemonade out of lemons thing? But sometimes those lemons aren’t really lemons. Now I’m trying to figure out what to do with a lemon that wasn’t really a lemon and how that fits in this new path.
Make sense? That’s okay. It doesn’t make sense to me either. Maybe I just need to multiply myself like that guy in that movie multiplicity. Haha, that could be crazy! If you’ve seen that movie, then you know what I mean.
I keep reminding myself I’m still figuring out how to balance this new world I’m in and that striking that balance will take some time. Just as it took time for me to lose weight and make healthy lifestyle changes (have you read my new book?). Those changes didn’t happen overnight and neither will finding my new balance. It’s hard giving yourself those little pep talks, but sometimes relating them to a major life event can bring you the perspective you need.
Why I am writing this deep stuff today? Because I’m guessing many of you, like me, are feeling conflicted about something right now. Something you started to pursue at the beginning of the year and are now questioning. SO I want you to give yourself a freaking break (myself included) and bake. Yes! I’m giving you a license to bake. Baking soothes the soul and I know for a fact this Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread will take your mind off anything.
Want to know the best part? This insanely delicious bread is lightened up. So we get our balance! Made with pureed butternut squash, applesauce, Greek yogurt and whole grains, this cake-like Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread oozes of creamy chocolate. And for those of you who think butternut squash is just for fall, all I have to say is more for me, less for you. Grab a a glass of milk, coffee, whatever and serve yourself a slice of this healthy, insanely delicious, low calorie bread!
- ½ cup butternut squash puree
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup Truvia baking blend
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1½ tsp almond extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1⅓ cup GF oat flour (whole wheat works too if not gluten sensitive)
- ⅔ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- Preheat oven 350 degrees
- Prepare a loaf pan by spraying with nonstick cooking spray
- In a standing mixer or bowl for hand mixer, add applesauce, Greek yogurt & coconut oil mix to combine
- Continue to combine, then mix in sugar
- Add eggs & almond milk mix until fluffy
- Add in butternut squash & almond extract & combine well
- Add sea salt, baking soda, baking powder & cocoa powder & mix to combine
- Slowly add oat flour to the batter while continuing to mix
- Add mini chips to the batter & fold in by hand reserving a few chips to sprinkle on top when finished
- Add batter to prepared loaf pan
- Bake 45-50 minutes until a toothpick can be removed clean
- Remove from the oven & allow to cool in the pan ~ 1 hour prior to removing & enjoying
For more of the ingredients & kitchen gadgets I use, visit my <a href="https://skinnyfitalicious.com/shop/">food shop</a>
Do you have a goal you are questioning right now? How do you give yourself perspective and balance?
There is always a goal I’m questioning, or conflicted about and I think when we spread ourselves thin like that it’s impossible NOT to question something! I tried to keep my goals reasonable but I still have a lot on my plate, and there are definitely some days I want it all to away because it’s overwhelming.
I like to feel like I’m accomplishing things. Maybe I need to break down my goals so I feel like I am accomplishing something vs. working towards something forever.
You know exactly what I am going to say to this recipe, and that is HELLLLLL YAAAASSSSSSS. Pinning and I might just eat my computer.
I’m sure you already know this, but there is a psychological rule that states that questioning something only makes us more dedicated to it, in the end. You have to justify your reasons to yourself, and confirm and commit to why you chose it in the first place. So regardless of what it is that you end up deciding, you will be firmly committed. And that means that you will KICK ASS.
Would give you some bread, but you have to live so far away! You know that is great advice. I never thought about it that way. It’s so easy to stay where it feels safe and you know what to expect. Still I AM SCARED!
You had me at dark chocolate!!! Love this!
And yes, striking the right balance is a constant goal of mine, and one that I always struggle with. Sometimes I feel completely inundated, while other times I think I have it (sort of) under control. Hang in there and trust your instinct — it’s done well for you so far!
I think that feeling comes with the blogging turf, don’t you? It has so many highs & lows.
Squash and chocolate? Who would have thought?? Looks fabulous and creative. Thanks for linking up with us today. I have a new co host hope you check out her blog too she rocks
I’ve been a follower of Sarah’s blog long before she started cohosting. Thanks!
This is so awesome! I’ve never even thought to use squash in a sweet recipe really! This looks delicious!
Oh my dear, you so need to try it because it’s insanely delicious!
I made a similar chocolate bread a little while ago and it was one of my favorite snacks or breakfast! There’s nothing better than eating chocolate and having it be healthy too:)
So true!
Chocolate and veggies, yep sounds odd but oh so right! This looks delicious!
I’m one to tends to question things and take on a little more than I should. I don’t see it that way until I realize I am on the go all the time and have no down time or me time. I said I would take more time for myself but somehow turned me time to volunteering at the school more, like 4 times as much as I was. I turn to baking as well and my kitchen but tend to overthink things. I hope I didn’t miss it but I I’m not seeing your exciting news from last week, just remember things always have a way of working out and while I also have a problem when my path takes an unexpected turn I’m trying to embrace it. It came to me reading a book with A, that the fairies are in the woods not on the path and that is where I will find the most exciting things. Hope that makes sense. Happy Meatless Monday!
It does make sense. Maybe I need to be reading more children’s books. They offer so much wisdom.
What a genius idea adding butternut squash! This looks delicious!
Thanks Kate!
Curve lemons are the worst! I’ve been feeling a little out of balance myself lately. I’m finishing my holistic nutrition program soon enough and trying to decide whether I’m looking for a traditional job or starting my own client practice. I love the flexibility of my own practice but the financial reality is a whole other thing… We’ll see!
I thought you were going to do a masters program? Either way, I can’t wait to see what you do because I’m sure it will be awesome and you will be my inspiration!
I love when vegetables get mixed into delicious desserts and breads. I just put an entire zucchini in w my green smoothie today. It still tastes delicious bc I have chocolate protein powder and blueberries in the mix 🙂
Now that is genius!
Oh wow this is so creative! I’ve yet to bake with butternut squash but this may be a game-changer for me. Sounds and looks amazing!
Thank you Christina!
Oh my gosh! This looks so decadent and chocolatey. I love using squash in baked goods. It keeps the bread so moist!
It’s great because you don’t even know it’s in there.
This looks incredible!! I have never thought to bake with butternut squash….yum!
Thank you Lauren, you really must try it!
This looks and sounds amazing!!!
Thank you!
Look at these pictures make me want to eat this bread right now, it looks amazing! I can only imagine how amazing it tastes with a bit dollop of nut butter and some coffee on the side!
Peanut butter would be amazing with this. Now I will have to make it again just for that!
I always feel whether you name it a resolution or a goal, there is NO failure in changing things. That is why I don’t do them. I have things I want to accomplish but life happens, life changes so we should be able to change & adapt & not feel bad.
I like that Jody. It’s what I needed to hear today too.
WOWZA! I want to eat that whole loaf!
Haha, you & me both!
Looks like we were both on the chocolate train today! I like to think when life gets too crazy that chocolate is the answer. The rest will eventually fall into place! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more Sarah!
Oh yeah, you pretty much have had me at dark chocolate, haha.
I’ve yet to meet anyone who could resist Leslie!
So sorry you’re having a tough time! I hope everything sorts itself out soon and that things work out even better than you had thought it would. Until then, big virtual hugs to you! And thanks for the yummy recipe. I’m a huge fan of butternut squash, so this is definitely up my alley!
Thanks Beth! You’re too sweet. It’s not really a tough time, more just torn in multiple directions. Coming to terms with not being able to do everything is hard. You know? Sometimes you just need to pick a direction and pray for the best. That’s what I am doing.
I often wish I had a clone so I totally understand where you are coming from! But – inspite of how full your plate is, you managed to come up with this genius loaf or pure decadence! Love that your used Butternut Squash puree in this absolutely delightful bread.
Haha thanks! I can always count on my sweet tooth for kitchen inspiration.
My entire life right now is walking around questioning wtf I did leaving my job and if this is going to work out and OMG I don’t know enough and how do I get clients to OMGOMGOMG. SOOO baking yes hello 😉 I’m always here to chat with and freak out with, because us ladies bosses have to stick together!!
I’m relieved someone else feels as freaked as I do!
I can definitely relate to the questions and uncertainty — I had a tonne of them as well when I swapped career paths… and they were definitely a lot more prevalent during times where I was overworked or stressed. I think you’re right about it just taking time to find your new normal and make some tweaks to figure out what works. Just remember that you’re definitely not alone in all this!
You’re probably right that I’m overworked. I’ve been working a lot lately without any breaks. Now I’m probably starting to teach fitness too. It’s a lot of change to absorb at one time along with school and designing a new career. Thanks for reminding me I’m not alone!
Wow this sounds really good! That would be yummy to put butternut squash in bread!
It is to die for!
Do you think that any kind of squash would work in this recipe? Or maybe pumpkin or sweet potatoe?
Yes! I definitely think either of those will work. I haven’t tried, but I’ve swapped them before in recipes myself so you should be fine.
Just made this bread and it is too salty 🙁 I think I will add just a pinch of salt next time instead of a whole tsp. The texture is great though.
All my recipes are low sodium. This was supposed to have 1/4 tsp salt. I just updated the recipe. Glad you like it! It’s one of my favorites.