This is The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) you’ll ever eat! Perfectly moist and fluffy, this banana bread is made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and coconut sugar. It’s a delightful treat that fits into breakfast or dessert, making it a versatile addition to any occasion. With its natural sweetness and rich flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and warm spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with oat flour and naturally sweetened, this recipe avoids refined sugars while still being satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for beginners or busy bakers alike.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert – it fits any time of day!
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools for efficiency. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Loaf pan: Essential for shaping the bread; using the right size ensures even cooking.
- Oven: Preheating is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and texture.
Ingredients
This is the best vegan & gluten-free banana bread you’ll ever eat! Made with oat flour & naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, this healthy banana bread is perfectly moist, fluffy & delicious!
For the Bread
- 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)
How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the dry ingredients:
1. Stir in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips until just combined. Do not over mix!
Step 4: Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan:
1. Top with additional vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Place in your preheated oven:
1. Bake for 60–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious slices of The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)!
How to Serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
This banana bread is not just a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. It can be served in various ways to suit different occasions, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Breakfast Toast
- Spread a layer of almond butter on warm slices for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Top with sliced strawberries or blueberries for added freshness and flavor.
Dessert Delight
- Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with agave syrup or melted dark chocolate to enhance the sweetness.
Snack Option
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Enjoy it with homemade vegan cream cheese for a savory twist.
On-the-Go
- Slice and wrap individual pieces for easy snacks throughout the week.
- Pack in lunchboxes alongside fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Perfecting this banana bread is all about technique and ingredient choice. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience.
- Use ripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Check oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly; an accurate temperature ensures even baking.
- Add mix-ins wisely: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips gently to avoid heavy spots in the batter.
- Cool completely before slicing: This helps maintain the structure and moisture of the bread.
- Store correctly: Keep leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or freeze slices for later enjoyment.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these delightful options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and nutrition to your meal.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for a satisfying contrast.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits with non-dairy milk, topped with nuts and seeds.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding offers fiber and omega-3s, making it a nutritious companion.
- Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy granola clusters for added texture.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast provides healthy fats that balance the sweetness of the banana bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making banana bread can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
Using unripe bananas: Always use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Unripe bananas can lead to a bland taste.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create dense banana bread. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
Skipping the cooling time: Letting the bread cool in the pan is essential for maintaining structure. Skipping this step can result in a crumbly loaf.
Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your banana bread bakes evenly without burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slice on a plate for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free).
Can I use other sweeteners instead of coconut sugar?
Yes! You can try using agave syrup or date sugar as alternatives while keeping it vegan and healthy.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
What should I do if my banana bread is too moist?
If your banana bread is too moist, try reducing the amount of non-dairy milk slightly next time or bake it a bit longer.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like pecans or seeds like chia for extra texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!
The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Indulge in The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free), a delightful treat that brings together moistness and flavor in every slice. Made with ripe bananas and wholesome oat flour, this banana bread is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is a comforting experience that everyone will love. This easy-to-make recipe caters to dietary preferences without compromising on taste, ensuring you can enjoy a guilt-free snack any time of the day.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (1 ½ cups mashed)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 2 cups oat flour
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Add oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and stir until just combined; fold in optional chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan, topping with extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for 60–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Ensure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread fluffy. Customize with nuts or seeds for added texture.