The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

why make this recipe

Making healthy banana bread is a great choice for anyone looking for a tasty snack or breakfast. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many dietary needs. With ripe bananas and wholesome ingredients like oat flour and coconut sugar, this banana bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

how to make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until everything is well combined.
3. Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.
4. Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and top with more vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if you like.
5. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for the best texture! Once cooled, slice and serve.

how to serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

This banana bread is perfect on its own or toasted with a little nut butter. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup. It makes a great snack, dessert, or even breakfast option for busy mornings.

how to store The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. When ready to eat, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer.

tips to make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a fluffier texture.
• Feel free to swap in different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to customize your banana bread.

variation

You can add different spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor. You can also substitute half of the oat flour with almond flour if you prefer a different texture.

FAQs

Can I use other flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can use other gluten-free flours like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.

How do I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can leave out the coconut sugar and replace it with an appropriate sugar substitute, like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, that measures like sugar.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! You can mix in blueberries, chopped apples, or even nut butter for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly if you add very moisture-rich fruits.