Name: The Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 12 reviews

Moist, fluffy, and studded with decadent chocolate chips, The Best Healthy Banana Bread is truly in a league of its own. This bake is a love letter to classic banana bread, reimagined with oat flour, sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and maple syrup, and completely vegan and gluten-free. Each bite hits the perfect balance of comforting banana flavor, satisfying texture, and just the right hint of spice. Whether you’re a long-time plant-based baker or just dipping your toes into healthy treats, The Best Healthy Banana Bread is an absolute must-bake for your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Healthy Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in The Best Healthy Banana Bread is chosen not just for health, but for maximum flavor and the irresistible texture you crave. The best part? Nothing fancy or hard to pronounce, just natural pantry staples that come together to create seriously crave-worthy results!

Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—they make your bread naturally sweet, moist, and add that classic banana flavor.
Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that gives a gentle caramel note and keeps the bread refined-sugar free.
Maple Syrup: Liquid gold for both sweetening and ensuring extra moisture in every crave-inducing slice.
Non-Dairy Milk: Use any variety you love—almond or oat milk add a creamy texture without any dairy.
Vanilla Extract: The flavor booster that elevates all the other ingredients and adds irresistible aroma.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This secret ingredient reacts with baking soda, giving the loaf that perfect rise and tender crumb.
Coconut Oil (melted): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring your loaf doesn’t taste “healthy” (in the best way possible).
Oat Flour: The gluten-free hero—light, nutty, and wholesome, it creates the bread’s signature tender texture.
Baking Powder: Key for that essential lift and delicate crumb.
Baking Soda: Works together with the acid to give great rise and a perfectly soft texture.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth, coziness, and a gorgeous aroma as your bread bakes.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch for extra spice complexity—it brightens up the banana flavor beautifully.
Salt: Balances and sharpens the sweetness so every bite is vibrant and never dull.
Vegan Chocolate Chips: Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate make this loaf extra lovable (plus a handful more for the top!).
Walnuts (chopped): Add some crunch and earthy depth—totally optional, but highly recommended!

How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by setting the stage for banana bread greatness: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This not only ensures easy removal after baking, but also helps prevent over-browning and guarantees that perfect, golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk them together until everything is smooth and beautifully blended. This step builds the foundation for a super moist and flavorful loaf—the bananas do all the heavy lifting here!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, pour in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Gently fold everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or you risk a dense loaf. You want to see a soft, thick batter dotted with tantalizing chocolate chips in every scoop.

Step 4: Fill and Top Your Loaf

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For an irresistible bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle more vegan chocolate chips and a generous handful of chopped walnuts on top. This not only adds eye-catching flair, but brings extra texture and flavor to each slice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60–65 minutes. The Best Healthy Banana Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The scent wafting through your kitchen will be impossible to resist!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience—we promise it pays off! Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key: it keeps the loaf moist and stops it from falling apart when sliced. Once cool, reward your patience with a hearty, tender slice!

How to Serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your banana bread with a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of nut butter. A few banana coins or chopped walnuts popped onto warm slices just before serving can make each piece even more inviting and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair a thick slice of The Best Healthy Banana Bread with your favorite cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a tall glass of non-dairy milk. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries, coconut yogurt, or a silky smoothie bowl. It’s also right at home on a breakfast platter with seasonal fruit and a handful of toasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the loaf! Cube leftover banana bread and toast for croutons in a yogurt parfait, or layer slices with vegan whipped cream and berries for a sky-high dessert. Or, make sweet banana bread sandwiches with almond butter and strawberry jam—kids (and adults) go wild for these treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep The Best Healthy Banana Bread tasting fresh, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Banana bread is a freezer superstar! Slice it first, then wrap individual pieces in parchment and store in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever the craving strikes. The Best Healthy Banana Bread keeps its dreamy texture and flavor for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for buttery-soft texture and the aroma of freshly baked bread any time of day. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a swipe of vegan butter or your favorite spread when it’s fresh out of the heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour if I don’t have oat flour?

While oat flour is key for the soft, tender crumb in The Best Healthy Banana Bread, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend in a pinch. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but it should work. Homemade oat flour (just blend rolled oats) is also a great substitute!

Is it possible to reduce the sugar or make it completely sugar-free?

Yes! For an even lower-sugar take, you can reduce the coconut sugar by a tablespoon or two, or swap in more mashed banana for sweetness. Keep in mind, the flavor and moisture will shift, but the loaf is very forgiving to slight tweaks.

Can I make this recipe with regular chocolate chips?

Absolutely—use what you love! If you’re not vegan, regular dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work just fine. Just check your label if you wish to keep it completely plant-based.

Do I need to add nuts, or can I leave them out?

Walnuts add a lovely crunch, but they’re totally optional. Feel free to leave them out, or swap with pecans, pumpkin seeds, or even dried fruit for a new twist every time you bake The Best Healthy Banana Bread.

Why is apple cider vinegar included in this recipe?

This little trick reacts with the baking soda, creating bubbles that help the loaf rise perfectly and stay fluffy (with no tangy flavor!). It really makes The Best Healthy Banana Bread extra light and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, mouthwatering treat, it’s hard to beat The Best Healthy Banana Bread. It’s wholesome enough for breakfast, yet indulgent enough for dessert, and always makes a memorable gift for friends. Give it a try—you’ll be shocked at how quickly it disappears, and how often you find yourself coming back for just one more slice!