The aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen can brighten your day in no time! This recipe for the best healthy banana bread (vegan & gluten-free) is not just delicious; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas, paired with the warmth of cinnamon and a touch of chocolate, makes every bite a treat. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
What You’ll Need for the Best Healthy Banana Bread
Gather up these simple ingredients to whip up a loaf of the best healthy banana bread (vegan & gluten-free).
- 3 ripe bananas (≈ 1 ½ cups mashed banana)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (≈ 67 g)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (≈ 60 ml)
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk (≈ 60 ml)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (≈ 10 ml)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (≈ 5 ml)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted) (≈ 45 ml)
- 2 cups oat flour (≈ 200 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (≈ 5 g)
- 1 tsp baking soda (≈ 5 g)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (≈ 5 g)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (≈ 2 g)
- ½ tsp salt (≈ 3 g)
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips (≈ 60 g) (plus more for topping)
- ¼ cup walnuts (chopped) (≈ 30 g)
How to Make the Best Healthy Banana Bread
Creating this delicious banana bread is easy and fun! Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, add in the coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together until nicely combined.
- Gradually stir in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Mix until just combined—try not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is super important for the best texture!
- After it has cooled, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Serve & Enjoy the Best Healthy Banana Bread
This banana bread tastes amazing on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:
- Serve warm with a smear of almond or peanut butter for a protein boost.
- Enjoy it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of coconut yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
- Pair it with a cup of warm herbal tea or coffee for an afternoon snack that feels extra special.
Helpful Tricks for the Best Healthy Banana Bread
Here are a few tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots!
- Oat Flour Substitute: If you don’t have oat flour, you can easily make it by grinding rolled oats in a blender until fine.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped dried fruits or swap walnuts for pecans.
Healthy Banana Bread FAQs
Can I use another type of sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes! You can replace coconut sugar with brown sugar or organic cane sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
How should I store the leftover banana bread?
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Slice the cooled banana bread and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months!
There’s nothing quite like homemade banana bread, especially when it’s full of healthy ingredients and tastes this good! So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll love baking and sharing your healthy banana bread (vegan & gluten-free) with family and friends!