A Slice of Heaven Awaits
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, sweet banana bread, fresh from the oven, with melty chocolate chips oozing out. Heavenly, right? This Best Healthy Banana Bread recipe is your new go-to for a quick breakfast or a guilt-free snack. What makes it so special? It’s vegan, gluten-free, and super simple to whip up—all in one bowl! You’re just moments away from a delicious, wholesome treat that even your non-vegan friends will adore.
Why Make This Recipe
So, why should you cozy up to this banana bread?
- Easy Cleanup: With just one bowl to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your treat and less time with a scrubbing sponge.
- Affordable Ingredients: Who needs fancy-schmancy stuff? This recipe calls for ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will come running for a slice. They won’t even notice it’s healthy! 🍌
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 3 ripe bananas (≈ 1 ½ cups mashed banana)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
Directions
Ready to become a banana bread ninja? Let’s do this!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
- Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and top with more vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if you’re feeling fancy.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (tempting, but this is very important!). Slice and serve!
How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) – Overview
Making this banana bread is a breeze! Start by mashing those ripe bananas—think therapy for the fruit. Combine your wet ingredients like a boss, then fold in the dry ones without overmixing. It’s all about keeping it light and fluffy! Pro tip: If your bananas aren’t overly ripe, microwave them for about 30 seconds to get them soft—just don’t burn your fingers! 😉
How to Serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Serve this gorgeous loaf warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup on top (because why not?), or slather on some almond butter for an added protein kick. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen and the melty chocolate chips contrasting with the warm, soft bread. Pure bliss! You could even toast it lightly for a delightful crunch—it’s the little things that make a big difference.
How to Store The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
This banana bread stays delicious for 3-4 days on your counter, sealed in an airtight container. If you need it to last longer, pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it first, so you can easily grab as much as you need later. When you’re ready to devour a slice, warm it up in the toaster or microwave, and you’ll enjoy that freshly-baked goodness all over again!
Tips to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Here are some quick insider tips to elevate your banana bread game:
- Use super ripe bananas for maximal sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t skip the walnuts—they add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the bread.
- Feel free to swap oat flour for almond flour if you’re leaning more nutty. Just keep an eye on the liquid; you might need a dash more.
- Keep the batter lightly mixed! Overworking it can lead to dense bread.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a delightful twist. Want a little spice? A dash of pumpkin pie spice can take it up a notch. Want to make it holiday-ready? Add a pinch of nutmeg for that seasonal vibe. The choices are endless!
FAQs
Can I substitute the oat flour for regular flour?
Yes, but note that it may not be gluten-free. If you want a homemade flour, try blending rolled oats!
How do I make this banana bread sugar-free?
You can use mashed dates instead of sugar! Just blend them into the wet ingredients.
Can I make this ahead for a gathering?
Absolutely! Bake it a day or two in advance and store it covered to keep it fresh. Your future self will thank you!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Best Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas (≈ 1 ½ cups mashed banana) Use super ripe bananas for maximal sweetness and moisture.
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour Feel free to swap with almond flour, keep an eye on the liquid.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg Add for seasonal flavor.
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips Plus more for topping.
- ¼ cup walnuts (chopped) Adds crunch to the bread.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
- Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and top with additional vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if desired.
Baking
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for optimal texture.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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