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

Sweet Temptation in a Loaf

Ever wandered into the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread, only to be tempted to snack right off the pan? If you’ve craved that warm, gooey goodness without the guilt, say hello to this Best Healthy Banana Bread! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in just one bowl—because who wants to do extra dishes, right?

Why Make This Recipe

First off, this banana bread is packed with good-for-you ingredients. Imagine munching on a slice that’s not only delicious but also kind to your waistline. Secondly, it’s perfect for all ages; the kids will love it, and you won’t mind sneaking a slice or two. And let’s be real, even health-conscious friends will double-take when they taste it!

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

Let’s get baking! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F 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 well mixed.
3. Gently mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.
4. Transfer the batter into the loaf pan, topping with more vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if you’re feeling extra fancy!
5. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cool, slice and serve!

How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) (Overview)

This process is a breeze! You start by mixing your wet ingredients, which makes your kitchen smell divine. Then, gently stir in your dry ingredients—don’t overmix; we want a light fluffy bread. Top it off with extra chocolate (because why not?) and pop it in the oven. Pro tip: Let it cool properly to maintain the perfect texture.

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

Slice it up, and you’re in for a treat! Serve a piece warm and top it with a spread of almond butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy vibe. Picture bright yellow banana flecks, oozing chocolate, and a crunchy walnut finish. The aroma? Absolutely irresistible!

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

Keep this deliciousness at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. It can also hang out in the fridge for up to a week. Want to prep ahead? Slice and freeze those pieces! Just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating. Simple as pie—err, bread!

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

1. Use overly ripe bananas—the more brown spots, the better the sweetness.
2. Try swapping coconut sugar with brown sugar if you must.
3. Don’t skip the walnuts; they add a fantastic crunch!
4. Mix in berries or nut butter for an extra flavor kick.
5. If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add more to taste.

Variation

Want a little twist? Add in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a splash of espresso for a mocha-infused banana bread! You can easily make this a chocolate banana bread by upping the chocolate chips or adding cacao powder. The world is your banana bread!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour works, but it’ll alter the texture slightly.

Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly before freezing for up to three months.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?
You can swap it with agave syrup or honey if not strictly vegan.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Best Healthy Banana Bread

A vegan and gluten-free banana bread that is simple to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. Perfect for all ages and easy to whip up in one bowl!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas 3 ripe bananas (1 ½ cups mashed banana) Use overly ripe bananas for better sweetness.
• ⅓ cup ⅓ cup coconut sugar Can be substituted with brown sugar.
• ¼ cup ¼ cup maple syrup Can substitute with agave syrup or honey if not strictly vegan.
• ¼ cup ¼ cup non-dairy milk
• 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups 2 cups oat flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour, but texture may vary.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp 2 tsp cinnamon Adjust to taste.
• ½ tsp ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ½ tsp salt

Mix-ins

• ⅓ cup ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips (plus more for topping) Feel free to add more if desired.
• ¼ cup ¼ cup walnuts (chopped) Optional, but recommended for crunch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F 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 well mixed.
3. Gently mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined.

Baking

1. Transfer the batter into the loaf pan, topping with more vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if you’re feeling extra fancy!
2. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Once cool, slice and serve!

Notes

Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Slices can be frozen for up to three months; just pop them in the microwave for reheating.