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

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

Banana bread is a classic treat enjoyed by many. It is moist, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. But what if you could enjoy it while keeping it healthy? With this recipe for The Best Healthy Banana Bread, you can create a delicious vegan and gluten-free version that everyone will love. Packed with simple ingredients, this banana bread offers a great way to use those ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should make this lovely treat, followed by a step-by-step guide for creating it and serving ideas.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make this healthy banana bread. First and foremost, it is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. This recipe uses natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and maple syrup instead of refined sugar. This means you can enjoy the sweetness without the sugar crash later on.

Moreover, bananas are loaded with nutrients. They provide potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy ingredient choice. The oat flour used in this recipe contains protein and is higher in fiber than regular wheat flour. This banana bread is not only tasty but also offers some nutritional benefits.

Additionally, this banana bread is easy to make. With simple steps and just one bowl needed for mixing, even beginners in the kitchen can whip it up without any fuss. Finally, the combination of vegan chocolate chips and walnuts makes this bread a delightful treat without sacrificing health.

How to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread

Making this banana bread is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and directions.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 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)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps the bread to come out easily after baking.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of banana left.

3. Mix in the dry ingredients. Add the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this can make the bread dense.

4. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top of the batter with a spatula. Sprinkle extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top if desired. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it comes out with batter on it, bake a few more minutes and check again.

6. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This cooling time helps the bread firm up. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice it too soon! Once cooled, slice and serve.

How to Serve The Best Healthy Banana Bread

This healthy banana bread can be served in many delightful ways. Enjoy it plain or spread a thin layer of almond butter or peanut butter for added protein and healthy fats. You can also serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

For a cozy treat, toast a slice and add some slices of fresh banana on top. It’s delicious! This banana bread is perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert.

How to Store The Best Healthy Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, allow it to cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep the moisture in. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for about a week.

You can also freeze banana bread. To do this, slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick snack!

Tips to Make The Best Healthy Banana Bread

1. Use very ripe bananas: The more spots on the banana, the sweeter it will be. This will enhance the flavor of the bread.

2. Don’t over-mix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can make your banana bread dense.

3. Customize with spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile.

4. Add-ins: Try adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

5. Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your banana bread while it bakes. Start checking a little earlier if you’re unsure.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider making banana bread muffins instead. Simply pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Adjust the baking time to about 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or using different nuts and seeds based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

You can, but keep in mind that this recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free using oat flour. If you want to use regular flour, check that you are not gluten-sensitive and adjust the liquid as needed, as wheat flour absorbs moisture differently.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To reduce calories, you can cut back on the amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup or even substitute with a low-calorie sweetener that measures 1:1 with sugar. Additionally, using unsweetened applesauce can replace some of the coconut oil.

Is banana bread healthy?

This banana bread can be healthier than traditional banana bread because it is vegan, gluten-free, and uses natural sweeteners. It has nutrients from the bananas and whole oats, but moderation is still key, as it does contain calories.

Enjoy making this healthy banana bread recipe! It’s not only simple and delicious but a great way to nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. Happy baking!

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

Print Recipe

A moist and sweet vegan and gluten-free banana bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack, made with ripe bananas and natural sweeteners.

• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas (about 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Add the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan chocolate chips. Gently stir until just combined.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top.
5. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If not done, bake a few more minutes and check again.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with almond butter, peanut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for a week.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: banana bread, healthy dessert, vegan recipe, gluten-free, easy baking