Name: Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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 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· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting treat that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, fluffy bread made from ripe bananas, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup, and free from gluten and animal products. The magic of oat flour keeps it light yet hearty, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add that cozy touch we all love. It’s a perfect balance of moistness and texture, complete with melty vegan chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts that make every bite an indulgence you can feel good about. Let me walk you through this recipe that has quickly become a favorite for everyone who tries it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a thick, pale yellow batter with a smooth, slightly lumpy texture, filling most of the bowl. On top of the batter, there is a large pile of small, dark brown chocolate chips, creating a clear contrast with the light color of the batter. A silver spoon is inserted into the batter from the right side, with the handle resting out of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients can create the most extraordinary outcomes, especially when you understand how each one contributes to the perfect loaf. Every ingredient in this Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe plays a key role — from flavor to texture, moisture to rise, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.

3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed): The heart of the bread, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
⅓ cup coconut sugar: A gentle, natural sweetener with a hint of caramel that complements the bananas perfectly.
¼ cup maple syrup: Adds a touch of smooth, rich sweetness and enhances moisture.
¼ cup non-dairy milk: Keeps the bread dairy-free while contributing to the batter’s consistency.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise beautifully.
3 tbsp coconut oil, melted: Adds richness and a subtle tropical hint while helping keep the bread moist.
2 cups oat flour: Naturally gluten-free, it forms the base with a tender crumb and light texture.
1 tsp baking powder: Assists in leavening, giving the bread its light rise.
1 tsp baking soda: Reacts with vinegar for fluffiness and lift.
2 tsp cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice to enhance the banana flavor.
½ tsp nutmeg: Adds subtle aromatic depth.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips: Melts into delightful pockets of sweetness.
¼ cup chopped walnuts: Offers a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats.

How to Make Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out cleanly, keeping that perfect shape.

Step 2: Combine the 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 everything is smooth and blended. The bananas and sweeteners not only give flavor, but also moisture that keeps the bread tender and irresistible.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the vegan chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix here — just combine until the dry ingredients are incorporated. This step ensures the right texture, and those chocolate chips are going to melt beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Transfer and Add Toppings

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top for an inviting crunch and melty sweetness right on the crust. It looks as good as it tastes!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This careful baking time creates that perfect crust with a soft, fluffy inside — a texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

After removing the bread from the oven, allow it to rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. As tempting as it is to dig in right away, cooling helps the flavors set and prevents crumbling.

How to Serve Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

The image shows three rectangular pieces of a brown baked snack on white parchment paper, placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each piece has a rough, crumbly texture with dark brown melted chocolate chunks spread throughout and on top. There are light brown walnut pieces scattered on the top layer, adding texture and contrast. The middle piece is placed diagonally in the foreground, showing the inside texture with gooey chocolate and nuts visible. The overall colors are warm brown tones with glossy dark chocolate and crunchy walnut bits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of coconut cream on top for an elegant touch. Fresh sliced bananas or crushed nuts also add wonderful visual and textural appeal.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of vegan yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and toasting the bread slightly, then spread with almond or peanut butter and a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also cube it and toss with cinnamon for a delicious banana bread pudding or French toast alternative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

This Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully, so slice and individually wrap pieces before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months and is perfect for a quick treat whenever you want.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the toaster or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feeling. Adding a spread of vegan butter or nut butter after warming takes it to the next level of indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use other flours instead of oat flour?

For this recipe, oat flour is preferred as it provides the right texture and moisture. You could try gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but results may vary. If substituting, check the blend’s moisture guidelines.

Are the chocolate chips necessary?

The chocolate chips add lovely pockets of melted sweetness, but you can absolutely leave them out for a simpler banana bread or swap them for raisins or dried cranberries if you prefer.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Make sure your bananas are very ripe with brown spots. They’ll be sweeter and easier to mash, which makes your bread more flavorful and naturally moist.

Is this recipe suitable for nut allergies?

To make it nut-free, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. The nutty crunch is nice, but not essential for success.

Can I make mini muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Portion the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and adjust baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Mini loaves or muffins are perfect for on-the-go snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out — comforting, delicious, and nourishing. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy banana bread without worry, knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome and naturally sweet. Whether you’re baking it for your family, friends, or just yourself, I’m confident it will become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas, and get baking — your kitchen is about to smell incredible!