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

Banana bread is a delicious treat that many people enjoy. This healthy banana bread recipe is special. It is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those who have dietary restrictions. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich taste of chocolate, this recipe offers a delightful combination that everyone will love. Baking this banana bread fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting smell, making it hard to resist.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this healthy banana bread. First, it is easy to make. You do not need complicated skills or tools. Even if you are new to baking, you can follow the simple steps and create something wonderful.

Second, this recipe uses healthy ingredients. Instead of regular sugar, it uses coconut sugar and maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are better for your body. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and tender.

Third, this banana bread is vegan and gluten-free. This means it does not have any animal products or gluten. It is safe for people with gluten sensitivities or those who choose not to eat meat or dairy.

Finally, this banana bread is versatile. You can enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It tastes great on its own, but you can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. You can also share this healthy treat with friends and family!

 

 

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

Making this banana bread is a fun and simple process. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious loaf in no time!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To bake banana bread, you need some basic equipment:

• A 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• A whisk
• A spoon or spatula for mixing
• A measuring cup and spoon
• An oven
• A toothpick for testing

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 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)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the bread bakes evenly. Line your 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps the bread to come out easily after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Use a whisk to mix everything until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the loaf pan. It’s nice to sprinkle some extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top.
5. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 60-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
6. Cool Down: After baking, take the bread out of the oven. Let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes. This makes it easier to remove from the pan. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting is important for the best taste!
7. Serve: Once the bread has cooled, slice it and serve. Enjoy the delicious flavor of your healthy banana bread!

 

 

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

The best way to serve this healthy banana bread is fresh from the oven. You can enjoy it plain, or you can spread some nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, on it for extra flavor and protein. It’s also tasty with a bit of jam or vegan cream cheese.

For breakfast, you might like a slice with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. It makes a great snack during the day. Slices of cold banana bread are perfect for school lunches or picnics. You can also serve it warm with vegan ice cream for a lovely dessert.

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

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. To freeze, make sure it is completely cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen banana bread, let it thaw at room temperature. You can warm it in the oven or microwave if you want it nice and warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some ideas for how to serve your healthy banana bread:

• Breakfast: Slice of banana bread with a side of fruit, such as berries or a banana.
• Snack Time: Enjoy a slice with some nuts or a smoothie for a healthy snack.
• Dessert: Top a warm slice with vegan ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for dessert.
• Brunch: Serve banana bread at a brunch with coffee, tea, or juice for guests.
• Gift: Wrap a loaf or a few slices in pretty paper and give it as a gift to a friend.

VARIATIONS

You can play with this recipe by trying different add-ins or variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts if you want a nut-free version. You can add extra chocolate chips instead.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for different flavors and textures.
• Spices: Change the spices to your taste! You could add ginger, cardamom, or even a little vanilla bean for a unique twist.
• Flours: If you don’t have oat flour, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Frosting: Spread a light vegan frosting or glaze on top for a sweeter treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, it is best to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are sweet and soft, making the bread moist and flavorful.

2. Is this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses oat flour, which is gluten-free. Just make sure to buy certified gluten-free oat flour to be safe.

3. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has batter stuck to it, bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can add as many chocolate chips as you like for a richer flavor. Just remember to balance it with the other ingredients.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

To make your life easier, you can prepare some parts of this recipe ahead of time:

• Bananas: If you have ripe bananas and can’t bake right away, you can mash and freeze them. Just thaw them when you’re ready to bake.
• Pre-measured Dry Ingredients: You can mix and store your dry ingredients (oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt) in a bowl ahead of time.
• Batters: If you want to bake later, you can prepare the batter the night before. Just remember to bake it the next day!

These tips can save you time and help you enjoy banana bread whenever you want!

Print