Insanely delicious Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread! Made gluten free with whole grains and lightly sweetened, this protein packed bread is a chocolate lover’s dream. You won’t even know it has butternut squash or is good for you! Gluten Free + Low Calorie
Just letting you know, this Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread recipe was originally published January 2016. I retested, rephotographed and updated the content for you. Hope you enjoy it!
One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn in my 80 pound weight loss journey is balancing treats and unhealthy food in my diet. For a long time, I was fearful of incorporating these foods in my diet fearing I would go back to my old habits and gain the weight back. It took a really really long time…as in years before I trusted myself around these foods.
I know people don’t want to hear this, but it just takes time to trust. That means being patient with yourself and allowing time to heal your relationship with food. It’s much like real relationships with people. Some take more time to heal from than others.
We’ve talked about this on and off in my membership group the last few weeks. I keep stressing the importance of allowing yourself flexibility to eat off plan. Exactly why there’s 2 open days on my meal plans. To allow flexibility, eating out and time off from thinking so hard about what you’re eating. I don’t think it’s healthy to think about what you’re eating all the time, just like it’s not healthy to workout all the time.
Finding balance takes time and patience, and know people don’t want to hear that. We live in a world where everyone wants everything fast. Get every answer you need on the internet fast, auto correct your spelling fast (who needs to know how to spell anymore?) etc. Technology has turned us into a culture of wanting everything fast with immediate results.
Our bodies don’t work like the internet. As a matter of fact, I think the internet stresses more people out than helps them. Too many people who think are better, prettier, thinner, richer than us. Take some time off from social media and thinking so hard for once.
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 and make you enjoy treats again.
Want to know the best part? This insanely delicious bread is healthier. 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. Grab a a glass of milk, coffee, whatever and serve yourself a slice!
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Dark Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butternut squash puree in a can or make your own by roasting squash then blending
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 1/3 cup Gluten Free oat flour
- 2/3 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips dairy free
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 F. Prepare a bread pan by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a standing mixer or bowl for hand mixer, add applesauce, Greek yogurt and coconut oil mix to combine smooth.
- Continue to combine, then mix in sugar, eggs and almond milk mix until fluffy.
- Add butternut squash, almond extract, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder and cocoa powder. Mix to combine.
- Slowly add the oat flour to the batter while continuing to mix. Do not over mix.
Add mini chips to the batter and fold in by hand reserving a few chips to sprinkle on top when finished. Transfer batter to prepared bread pan.
- Bake at 350 F 45-50 minutes until a toothpick can be removed clean from the center.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes
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What I Used For The Recipe
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.
I’m not sure I understand the nutritional breakdown per slice listed. Surely the 1/4 cup of coconut oil contains some fat that would be present? Likewise doesn’t butternut squash have carbs? Am I missing something or is this truly the holy grail of awesome.
Hi Loralie, this was an old recipe card that only had calories per serving allowed to show on it that is why the nutritional data was not present. I updated it now. But just so you are aware – not all websites provide nutritional breakdown of recipes so it should not be an expectation of yours that it is always present. I do it as a courtesy for my readers, but there are some recipes on my site that only have calories because they are on old recipe cards. If you ever see a recipe that is missing nutrition data, you can always calculate it yourself using MyFitnessPal. Your comment was unnecessarily rude. I hope the rest of your day is more positive.
Hi Megan this looks so-o – delicious!! I am wondering could I exchange the oat flour for something else as I don’t have any here in the house. Would Spelt flour work or almond flour????
I also have to watch my carbs as my body is holding onto the carbs for grim death & I can’t get into my clothes!!!
What’s your thoughts on trying the almond flour? I wouldn’t want to try it if the chances are it wouldn’t work.
Also HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS and not eat it all yourself?? I m not sure I won’t eat it all myself !!!!
Hi Marie! I haven’t tried swapping the oat flour. I suspect almond flour would work, but you may need to use a lesser amount as it is usually more dense than oat flour. Let me know if you swap it out and if it works. I’ll update the recipe card to help others! As for eating…I really don’t have sugar cravings because I follow the nutrition from my 14 day sugar challenge. It balances my hormones and keeps my blood sugar stable so when I do eat sugary foods like this bread I’m not constantly craving more. Hope you join the next challenge!
I found this recipe while searching for ways to use up cooked butternut squash. So glad I did! For anyone curious, the recipe worked fine with all-purpose flour. It took almost an hour and a half to fully bake in my oven; I blame the ceramic loaf pan I used, as the oven temp was truly at 350. It came out a little dry as a result, but still delicious! The squash and Greek yogurt add a nice feel of “substance” (if that makes sense) to the bread without adding a ton of fat. The flavor is delicious! Thank you for posting this 🙂