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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!
Click here to pin this recipe!
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 teaspoons 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 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon 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.
Notes
- My Amazon shop has more products similar to those used for this recipe and that I recommend to my weight loss clients.
- If you enjoy this recipe, check out my cookbook for more delicious recipes!
rachel @ athleticavocado says
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!
Megan says
Peanut butter would be amazing with this. Now I will have to make it again just for that!
Nadine says
This looks and sounds amazing!!!
Megan says
Thank you!
Lauren says
This looks incredible!! I have never thought to bake with butternut squash....yum!
Megan says
Thank you Lauren, you really must try it!
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
Oh my gosh! This looks so decadent and chocolatey. I love using squash in baked goods. It keeps the bread so moist!
Megan says
It's great because you don't even know it's in there.
Christina says
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!
Megan says
Thank you Christina!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
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 🙂
Megan says
Now that is genius!
Anna says
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!
Megan says
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!
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate says
What a genius idea adding butternut squash! This looks delicious!
Megan says
Thanks Kate!
Sarah says
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!
Megan says
It does make sense. Maybe I need to be reading more children's books. They offer so much wisdom.
Faith VanderMolen says
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:)
Megan says
So true!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
This is so awesome! I've never even thought to use squash in a sweet recipe really! This looks delicious!
Megan says
Oh my dear, you so need to try it because it's insanely delicious!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
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
Megan says
I've been a follower of Sarah's blog long before she started cohosting. Thanks!
Blair says
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!
Megan says
I think that feeling comes with the blogging turf, don't you? It has so many highs & lows.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
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.
Megan says
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!
michele @ paleorunningmomma says
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.
Megan says
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.