Name: The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium ripe bananas (at least 1 cup when mashed); ½ cup non-dairy milk; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup coconut sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup melted coconut oil; 1½ cups oat flour; 1 cup almond flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup dark chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

If you’re on the hunt for something comforting, wholesome, and downright delicious, look no further than The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe. This is not your average banana bread – it’s a moist, tender loaf bursting with natural sweetness from perfectly ripe bananas, enhanced by the warm aroma of cinnamon and the rich indulgence of dark chocolate chips. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it manages to be both vegan and gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor or texture. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, embracing a plant-based lifestyle, or simply craving a guilt-free treat, this banana bread will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two glass and metal containers on a white marbled surface. On the left is a clear blender jar with layers of ingredients: mashed banana pieces that are pale yellow and soft at the bottom, topped by smooth brown sugar and a darker liquid drizzle pooling on top. On the right is a stainless steel mixing bowl that holds a fluffy, pale beige flour mixture with a small heap of white powder, likely baking powder or flour, and a sprinkle of brown cinnamon in the center. A silver whisk rests diagonally inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredient list just right is key to nailing The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe. These simple, natural ingredients work in harmony to give you that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and density without any fuss.

Bananas (2 medium): Use very ripe bananas – they add natural sweetness and keep the bread wonderfully moist.
Non-dairy milk (½ cup): Provides moisture and helps bind everything together while keeping it vegan.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Reacts with baking soda to give the bread a light, fluffy rise.
Coconut sugar (¼ cup): A subtle, caramel-like sweetness that’s less processed than regular sugar.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts the flavor with that tempting, warm aroma.
Melted coconut oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender and soft.
Oat flour (1½ cups): Brings a mild nuttiness and structure while keeping it gluten-free.
Almond flour (1 cup): Creates a tender crumb and adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a slight spiciness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Essential for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with vinegar to lighten the batter.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Dark chocolate chips (½ cup, plus more for topping): Melts beautifully to add a burst of decadence in every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your standard loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread will bake evenly and release easily, setting you up for success right from the beginning.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a blender, combine the ripe bananas, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until you have a smooth and frothy liquid—about 15 to 20 seconds. This creates a harmonious, well-incorporated base that’s vital for The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe. If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender or even mashing by hand works, but blending yields the creamiest batter.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk or sift to break up any lumps, ensuring your bread bakes with a light, even texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the blended wet ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted coconut oil and stir to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients in four parts, stirring gently between additions. This technique prevents clumps and makes mixing more manageable without overworking the batter. Finally, fold in the dark chocolate chips to sprinkle pockets of rich sweetness throughout your loaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top and placing a few extra chocolate chips on top for a beautiful, melty finish. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the bread is firm and golden brown. Resist the urge to slice immediately! Allow it to cool completely, as this helps the flavors settle and the texture improve to that perfect slice-worthy consistency.

How to Serve The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe

Two images side by side show a loaf pan on a white marbled surface with batter and baked bread. On the left, the pan holds light tan batter dotted with scattered dark brown chocolate pieces, smooth and slightly thick in texture, filling about three-quarters of the pan. On the right, the same pan holds a baked loaf with a golden brown crust, a crack running vertically down the middle, and chocolate pieces slightly melted and visible on the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little extra flair can elevate this humble banana bread into something downright irresistible. Try dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or spreading a smear of your favorite vegan butter for richness. Fresh slices of banana or a drizzle of maple syrup add delightful sweetness for those who want a touch more.

Side Dishes

This banana bread is a pleasure on its own, but pairing it with a warm cup of herbal tea or a creamy dairy-free latte makes for the perfect snack or breakfast treat. Add a handful of fresh berries or a side of coconut yogurt to create a wholesome spread that’s sure to brighten up any morning.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this loaf into an on-the-go treat by cutting into snack-sized squares and wrapping individually in parchment paper. For brunch parties, slice thick pieces and serve with an array of toppings like nut butters, jam, or vegan cream cheese. Nothing brings a crowd together like sharing The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe reinvented in so many delicious ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it tender and fresh, making every bite just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

If you want to savor it longer, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap then foil and pop it in the freezer. It will keep beautifully for up to three months without losing any of its wonderful flavor or texture. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This step revives the softness and melts the chocolate chips into gooey pockets of pure delight.

FAQs

Can I use other flours besides oat and almond flour?

While oat and almond flour create the perfect balance for The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours. Just keep in mind that alternative flours might affect texture and moisture, so be prepared for a slightly different outcome.

What’s the best way to make sure my banana bread is vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan thanks to the use of plant-based milk, coconut oil, and no eggs. Be sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep it completely vegan-friendly.

Can I substitute the coconut sugar with regular sugar?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar or coconut palm sugar. Each imparts a slightly different sweetness and depth of flavor, but all will work beautifully in this recipe.

My bread came out dense. How do I fix it?

Dense banana bread usually means the flour was overmixed or measurements were off. Make sure to gently fold ingredients and measure flours accurately. Also, using ripe bananas and the right leavening agents is crucial for a light, fluffy texture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic mix-ins for texture and flavor variation. Just fold them in at the end along with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on crafting The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe, I promise there’s nothing quite like biting into a slice of this tender, chocolate-studded goodness. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and adaptable to your personal tastes. So grab those overripe bananas, warm up your oven, and treat yourself to a homemade loaf that feels like a big hug from the inside out. You’re going to love it.

The Best Vegan and Gluten-free Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need