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Insanely delicious Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread! Made 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!
Just letting you know, this Chocolate Butternut Squash Bread recipe was originally published January 2016. I retested, rephotographed and updated the content for you.
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.
I coach my weight loss clients on this frequently because being all or nothing with food never works.
I stress the importance of allowing yourself flexibility to not eat perfectly healthy. Is not healthy to restrict what you eat and never allow yourself to eat things that has fewer nutrients. It promotes a mindset of restriction which leads to binging. Chronic dieting promotes this behavior and I see it all the time with my clients.
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. Technology has turned us into a culture of wanting everything fast with immediate results.
Our bodies don’t work like the internet. You can’t Amazon prime your dream body!
So I want you to give yourself a break and bake. Yes! I’m giving you a license to bake. Baking soothes the soul and I know for a fact this chocolate squash bread will take your mind off anything and make you enjoy treats again.
Want to know the best part? This insanely delicious squash bread is healthier. Made with pureed butternut squash, applesauce, yogurt and whole grains, this cake-like flourless squash bread oozes of delicious chocolate so grab a a glass of milk or coffee and serve yourself a slice!
More Healthy Squash Recipes
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, or sugar of choice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 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, or regular 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!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
Oh yeah, you pretty much have had me at dark chocolate, haha.
I’ve yet to meet anyone who could resist Leslie!
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!
WOWZA! I want to eat that whole loaf!
Haha, you & me both!
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.
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!
This looks and sounds amazing!!!
Thank you!
This looks incredible!! I have never thought to bake with butternut squash….yum!
Thank you Lauren, you really must try it!
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.
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!