This vegan and gluten-free banana bread is the best you’ll ever taste! Made with oat flour and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, it offers a moist, fluffy texture with the perfect balance of banana flavor. Enhanced with warm spices, caramel hints from coconut sugar, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips and walnuts, this banana bread is the perfect treat for any occasion.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)

• ⅓ cup coconut sugar

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup non-dairy milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil

• 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 (optional, plus more for topping)

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: 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 Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until just combined.

4. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and walnuts if using.

5. Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with additional chocolate chips and walnuts.

6. Bake: Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.

Nutrients (per slice)

• Calories: 226

• Carbohydrates: 31g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 292mg

• Potassium: 125mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 12g

• Vitamin A: 2 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg

• Calcium: 68mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Benefits of Going Vegan and Gluten-Free

Many people are embracing vegan and gluten-free diets for a variety of reasons, from health concerns to environmental considerations. Vegan diets avoid animal products, while gluten-free diets eliminate wheat and other gluten-containing grains. This banana bread offers a great way to enjoy a sweet, comforting treat without the use of animal products or gluten, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.

Vegan diets have been shown to support heart health, improve digestion, and even reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions. Gluten-free diets are essential for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but even people without these conditions may find benefits from reducing gluten in their diets. This banana bread allows everyone to enjoy a classic favorite without compromising on taste or dietary needs.

Why Oat Flour Is the Ideal Gluten-Free Choice

When it comes to gluten-free baking, finding the right flour can be a challenge, but oat flour is a great option. Oat flour is naturally gluten-free and provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in banana bread. It also offers a dense, moist texture that helps the bread hold together without being crumbly, which is often a concern with gluten-free baked goods.

Oat flour is rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins, which contribute to overall well-being. For those following a gluten-free diet, oat flour offers a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour, allowing you to enjoy a healthier version of banana bread.

The Role of Coconut Sugar and Maple Syrup

In this recipe, coconut sugar and maple syrup are used to naturally sweeten the banana bread, eliminating the need for refined sugars. Coconut sugar is derived from the sap of coconut trees and has a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread. Unlike white sugar, coconut sugar retains some of its natural minerals, including iron, zinc, and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic index, making it a more favorable option for those looking to manage blood sugar levels.

Maple syrup adds an additional layer of sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor. It’s rich in antioxidants and provides a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese and zinc. By using coconut sugar and maple syrup, this banana bread is sweetened in a more wholesome way, giving it a rich flavor without the need for refined sugars.

Warm Spices for Added Flavor

One of the things that elevate this vegan and gluten-free banana bread is the use of warm spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are the star players here, providing the classic flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the bananas. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it not only flavorful but beneficial as well.

Nutmeg, with its warm and slightly sweet taste, pairs perfectly with cinnamon and adds a touch of complexity to the flavor profile. Together, these spices create a comforting aroma and flavor that is synonymous with fall and winter, making this banana bread an ideal treat for the colder months. The subtle spice notes in every bite bring a cozy, homemade feel to the bread, making it more than just a simple baked good.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Texture and Flavor

While the base of this banana bread is delicious on its own, the optional add-ins of chocolate chips and walnuts can take it to the next level. Vegan chocolate chips add a rich, melty element to the bread, creating pockets of chocolate that provide a perfect contrast to the soft, spiced banana bread. Whether you choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate, these chips add a decadent touch that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Walnuts, on the other hand, provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana and coconut sugar. They are also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious addition to the bread. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can easily skip the walnuts, but their inclusion adds an extra layer of texture that makes the bread even more enjoyable.

The Perfect Texture: Moist and Fluffy

One of the biggest concerns when baking gluten-free goods is achieving the perfect texture, but this banana bread succeeds beautifully. Thanks to the use of oat flour and the natural moisture of the ripe bananas, this banana bread is incredibly moist and fluffy. The bananas not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the soft texture, helping to bind the ingredients together and keep the bread from being dry.

The combination of baking soda and baking powder ensures that the bread rises properly, giving it a light, airy texture despite being made without gluten. The result is a banana bread that is tender, moist, and perfectly fluffy, with a texture that is indistinguishable from traditional banana bread made with wheat flour.

Baking and Cooling the Banana Bread

Once the batter is mixed, it’s time to transfer it to the prepared loaf pan and bake. The bread bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the bread to cook through and develop a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

After baking, it’s important to let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the bread set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart. While it can be tempting to slice into it immediately, giving the bread time to cool ensures the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Storing Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Vegan and gluten-free banana bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of toppings. A smear of vegan butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream can turn this simple bread into an even more decadent treat. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert.

If you happen to have leftovers, this banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To serve frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Delicious Treat

This vegan and gluten-free banana bread is the perfect combination of health and indulgence. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, coconut sugar, and ripe bananas, it provides a deliciously moist and fluffy texture that rivals any traditional banana bread. The addition of warm spices, along with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips and walnuts, creates a flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for any occasion.