The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) Recipe
Introduction
This healthy banana bread is a delicious way to enjoy a classic treat without guilt. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with natural sweetness and warm spices, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and top with additional vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if desired.
- Step 5: Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: 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 before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or skip nuts for a nut-free version.
- Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- If oat flour isn’t available, you can make your own by grinding oats in a food processor until fine.
Storage
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can substitute oat flour with an equal amount of whole wheat or all-purpose flour, but note that the texture and gluten content will differ.
Is this banana bread suitable for nut allergies?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free.
PrintThe Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) Recipe
This Best Healthy Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and wholesome treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Made with ripe bananas, oat flour, natural sweeteners, and dairy-free ingredients, it’s perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast option. Enhanced with warm spices, vegan chocolate chips, and walnuts, this banana bread offers a delightful texture and taste without compromising on health.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed ripe bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Transfer Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle additional vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor, if desired.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to sit in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling step is important to achieve the best texture.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for optimal natural sweetness and moisture.
- Use gluten-free certified oat flour if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- The apple cider vinegar helps activate the baking soda for leavening since this recipe has no eggs.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can freeze slices for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with other nuts or seeds according to preference or allergy considerations.
Keywords: healthy banana bread, vegan banana bread, gluten free banana bread, oat flour banana bread, dairy free baking, vegan dessert, healthy snack
