The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Ever walked into a house and been hit by the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked banana bread?
That cozy aroma wraps around you like a warm hug. Now, picture this: a vegan and gluten-free twist on that classic treat! This recipe is not just another banana bread; it’s a deliciously moist, healthy, and simple one-bowl wonder. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up every week!
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t want a delectable treat that’s also guilt-free? Here are a couple of reasons to dive into this banana bread:
- Easy cleanup: Just one bowl to mix everything means fewer dishes to wash. Score!
- Family-friendly: Even your picky eaters will gobble this up without realizing it’s healthy. 🙌
- Budget-friendly: Using ripe bananas and pantry staples means you won’t be breaking the bank.
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 make some magic? Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the 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 desired).
- 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!). Once cool, slice and serve!
How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free): Overview
You’ve got the basics down! Making The Best Healthy Banana Bread is a breeze. Start by mashing, and don’t skip that step — the riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Combine liquid ingredients, then fold in the dry ingredients gently. Remember: overmixing is a big no-no! This will keep your bread light and airy.
Once you’ve poured the batter into the pan, feel free to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top. Who wouldn’t want more chocolate? 🍫
How to Serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Now, let’s make it even more delectable! You can serve this banana bread warm, slathered with a thin layer of creamy peanut butter for protein, or enjoy it straight up with a cup of your favorite herbal tea. Picture this: golden-brown slices with a crunchy walnut topping, melting in your mouth, making your heart do a little happy dance. 🍞✨
How to Store The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
After you’ve devoured those warm slices, you might have a few leftovers (although that’s rare). Here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Keep it for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just pop slices in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to indulge again.
Tips to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Want to level up your banana bread game? Here are some quick insider tricks:
- Use overripe bananas — they add that natural sweetness.
- If you don’t have oat flour, just blend some rolled oats until fine!
- Let it cool completely before slicing. It may be tempting, but trust me!
- Add in some dried fruit or seeds for a delightful twist.
Variation
Feeling experimental? Here are some easy ways to mix it up:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger for a bit of zing!
- Nutty Delight: Switch walnuts for pecans or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Lover: Substitute half the oat flour with cocoa powder to turn it into a chocolate banana bread. 🍫
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Absolutely! Just swap it out in equal amounts, but keep in mind it won’t be gluten-free.
2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Definitely! This banana bread keeps well, so bake it ahead and store it.
3. How can I substitute the sugar?
You might use coconut sugar or even agave syrup for a sweeter bread, but keep ratios in mind as they differ in sweetness.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Healthy Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the 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 desired.
- 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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, slice and serve. Optionally, slather with creamy peanut butter for added protein.
