Name: The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) 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·5.3 from 7 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy treat that checks all the boxes—delicious, wholesome, simple to make, and friendly to every guest at your table—look no further than The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free). This loaf is proof that tender, flavorful banana bread doesn’t need dairy, eggs, or gluten to win hearts. It’s loaded with ripe bananas, flecked with chocolate and nuts, and so outrageously moist that no one will believe it’s healthy. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become my go-to for potlucks, lazy weekends, and even as a nourishing breakfast on the run.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) is delightfully simple, thanks to a handful of everyday pantry staples. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for the best flavor, moisture, and that classic banana bread aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Ripe Bananas: For sweet and naturally creamy banana bread, the spottier your bananas, the better—they’re the secret to a perfectly tender crumb.
Coconut Sugar: Adds gentle caramel notes and a rich sweetness without overwhelming the bananas.
Maple Syrup: Lends moisture and a lovely, earthy sweetness—choose pure maple syrup for the best result.
Non-Dairy Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and light; any unsweetened plant-based milk works here.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out all the flavors and gives the loaf its irresistible aroma.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a soft and fluffy rise; don’t skip it!
Coconut Oil (melted): Adds richness, moisture, and a slight buttery taste, while keeping things dairy-free.
Oat Flour: The base for this loaf—naturally gluten-free, it gives banana bread a tender crumb and gentle chew.
Baking Powder: Partners with baking soda to ensure the loaf rises beautifully.
Baking Soda: Gives that picture-perfect lift and color, crucial for gluten-free bakes.
Cinnamon: Offers cozy warmth and spice—don’t be shy!
Nutmeg: Adds another layer of warmth; freshly grated delivers the deepest flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and lets those banana and chocolate notes shine.
Vegan Chocolate Chips: A non-negotiable for bursts of gooey chocolate in every bite—plus more for topping if you please.
Walnuts (chopped): Bring a satisfying crunch and nutty depth—add as much (or as little) as you like.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for perfect baking. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper—this not only simplifies cleanup, but also ensures your banana bread lifts right out of the pan with ease. It’s a simple trick, but one that guarantees flawless slices every time you make The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free).

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash those gloriously ripe bananas until smooth and a little chunky, giving your bread its signature moisture and flavor. Add the coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended—your kitchen will already smell inviting!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in your oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Gently fold everything together, just until combined. Over-mixing can make gluten-free bakes dense, so treat the batter with care for a tender, lofty loaf.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it evenly for a gorgeous rise. This is the time to scatter extra chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top—they’ll turn golden and melty in the oven, making The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 60-65 minutes until your kitchen smells heavenly and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not raw batter). The waiting is tough, but I promise—totally worth it.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!

When the loaf emerges from the oven, let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps the bread set for cleaner slices. Gently transfer your loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely—resist the urge to slice early! Once cooled, slice thick, generous pieces and savor every bite of The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free).

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

Garnishes

Dress up your banana bread slices with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon. A little drizzle of maple syrup or almond butter on a warm slice brings next-level coziness, showcasing the naturally sweet and nutty flavors that make this loaf so special.

Side Dishes

For a breakfast spread, pair thick slices with a dollop of coconut yogurt, fresh berries, or a side of sliced oranges. If it’s coffee time, nothing beats a generous piece alongside an oat milk latte or rich, black tea—it’s nourishing comfort in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the loaf into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for a playful brunch platter, or toast slices and serve with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a surprisingly decadent dessert. However you present it, The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) shines on every table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to three days—and honestly, it often tastes even better on day two, as the flavors meld and deepen!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf (wrapped well in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag) for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave slices at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or gently warm in the toaster.

Reheating

There’s nothing like a warm slice of banana bread. Toast slices in a toaster or oven until just heated through—this crisps the edges and makes the chocolate chips gooey again. A few seconds in the microwave works well, too, for instant comfort food any time you crave it.

FAQs

Can I use another flour instead of oat flour?

Oat flour gives this bread its signature light, tender texture, but you can experiment with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The results will vary, so stick with oat flour for The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) experience.

Do I have to use coconut oil?

If coconut oil isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with other neutral oils, like avocado or light olive oil—just be sure to choose one with a mild flavor to let those bananas shine through.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Just omit the walnuts, and always check your chocolate chips and oat flour labels to ensure there’s no cross-contamination if you’re serving someone with a nut allergy.

How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your loaf is ready. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely—chopped pecans, dried fruit, or shredded coconut all add wonderful texture and flavor. Just keep add-ins to about half a cup to avoid making the loaf too heavy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a golden, chocolate-studded loaf of The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) from your oven—and sharing it with loved ones makes it even sweeter. It’s a bake that brings smiles, nourishes, and suits just about everyone at the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover why it’s become an instant classic in my kitchen.