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

This is the best healthy banana bread (vegan & gluten-free) you’ll ever eat! Perfectly moist, fluffy, and delicious, this bread is made with oat flour and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar. It’s a wonderful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging yourself at home, this recipe will delight your taste buds without sacrificing health.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This banana bread comes together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
• Naturally Sweetened: Using ripe bananas, coconut sugar, and maple syrup gives you sweetness without refined sugars.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary preferences, this recipe caters to both vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the ripe bananas and coconut oil, every slice is soft and tender.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: A good-quality loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your banana bread.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the bread once it’s baked.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine wet ingredients smoothly for a perfect batter consistency.

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 Batter

• 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)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Add-Ins

• 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
2. Add in coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl:
1. Add oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips.
2. Gently mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Pour Batter Into Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with additional vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts if desired.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Remove from oven and let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious healthy banana bread!

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

This delicious banana bread can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and appeal. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Toasted with Nut Butter

• Spread almond or peanut butter on warm slices for added protein and richness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Top the bread with sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a refreshing touch.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup adds extra sweetness and complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Served with Vegan Yogurt

• Pair slices with coconut or almond yogurt for a creamy contrast that’s perfect for breakfast.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Make a sandwich using two slices of banana bread filled with dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for a light and airy finish that pairs perfectly with the dense bread.

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

To ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.

• Measure Oat Flour Correctly: Spoon oat flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dry bread.

• Don’t Overmix: Stir your batter until just combined. Overmixing can create a dense texture instead of a fluffy loaf.

• Add Mix-Ins Wisely: Incorporate additional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.

• Check for Doneness Early: Since ovens vary, start checking for doneness at the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing your banana bread to cool completely helps it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

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

Pairing side dishes can enhance your enjoyment of this healthy banana bread. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the banana bread.

2. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding made from chia seeds and non-dairy milk offers an extra boost of nutrients alongside your slice.

3. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with granola and seeds creates a wholesome breakfast option that complements the banana bread.

4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top provides texture and flavor when served alongside banana bread.

5. Hummus and Veggies: For a savory option, serve carrot sticks or cucumber slices with hummus as a refreshing side.

6. Oatmeal Cookies: Pairing banana bread with chewy oatmeal cookies makes for a delightful snack combo that satisfies sweet cravings.

7. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea balances out the sweetness while providing a cozy atmosphere during snack time.

8. Coconut Milk Latte: Enjoying your slice of banana bread alongside a frothy coconut milk latte creates an indulgent treat perfect for brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect banana bread can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free).

• Using unripe bananas: They lack the sweetness and flavor needed for banana bread. Always use ripe, brown-spotted bananas for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense bread. Mix just until combined to keep it fluffy and light.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with oat flour.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm banana bread can make it mushy. Allow it to cool completely for the best texture.
• Not checking for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary. Always use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if it’s done baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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

• Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with a date for easy reference.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free).

Can I substitute oat flour with other flours?

Yes! You can use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour as alternatives, but results may vary.

How do I make this banana bread sweeter?

For extra sweetness, you can add more coconut sugar or maple syrup according to your taste preference.

How long will leftovers last?

When stored properly, leftovers can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Is this banana bread nut-free?

This recipe includes walnuts, but you can omit them or use seeds as a nut-free alternative.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or seeds based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Healthy Banana Bread (Vegan & Gluten-Free) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack throughout the day!