Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

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Nothing beats the cozy, sweet delight of my all-time favorite Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness from brown sugar and ripe bananas, complemented perfectly by melty chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. This recipe is not only ridiculously simple to whip up but also dairy-free, eggless, and can be gluten-free, making it the ultimate feel-good treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Trust me, once you try this Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort bake and a fantastic way to transform overripe bananas into pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients you probably already have, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas to the warm touch of cinnamon and the rich, indulgent hit of chocolate chips, every component combines to form banana bread bliss.

• Mature overripe bananas, 1 and 1/2 cups mashed: Key for moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
• Brown sugar, 3/4 cup packed: Adds rich sweetness and helps keep the bread tender.
• Coconut oil, 1/3 cup melted: Provides healthy fats and a subtle tropical aroma while keeping the texture moist.
• Almond milk, 1/4 cup at room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free.
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups (gluten-free if desired): The base that gives structure to the bread.
• Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and airy.
• Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Assists with leavening and softness.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Crushed walnuts, 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup for topping: Adds crunch and a toasty nuttiness.
• Chocolate chips, 1/4 cup and mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup for batter and topping: Melts throughout, giving pockets of rich chocolate happiness in every bite.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by warming up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. The parchment will make it so easy to lift the bread out when it’s done baking, no stickiness or crumbs left behind. Plus, the paper edges act like handles, making slicing much simpler.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth – these are the star that bring moisture and natural sweetness. Add in brown sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract, whisking everything together until beautifully combined. This blend is what makes your banana bread tender and decadent without eggs or dairy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, gently fold in your flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. It’s important not to overmix here; just fold until the dry ingredients disappear into the wet mixture to keep the bread fluffy and soft rather than dense.

Step 4: Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part! Stir in the crushed walnuts and both kinds of chocolate chips carefully so they’re evenly spread but without breaking down the batter texture. The contrast of creamy chocolate and crunchy nuts will create a perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the top with extra walnuts and mini chocolate chips for a gorgeous, inviting finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. When the timer goes off, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This wait is tough but totally worth it for clean slices!

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Garnishes

If you’re serving this bread fresh, a light spread of vegan butter or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate every bite. Toasted chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top also add that final touch of flavor and texture, making it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with morning coffee or a hot cup of tea. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a creamy contrast. It also holds its own as a sweet finish to a casual lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, slice the bread thick, then lightly toast it before serving. Add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an irresistible dessert plate. You could even make mini loaves or muffins with this batter for gifting or a grab-and-go snack – just adjust the baking time accordingly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread stays delicious when stored at room temperature inside a sealed container for up to a day. For anything more than that, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to five days. Always cover it well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep this banana bread around longer, wrap it tightly in cling wrap and stick it in the freezer. It freezes beautifully and will retain its flavor and texture for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to get a warm, slightly crisp crust with a soft, tender crumb inside. This simple step brings back that freshly baked feeling instantly.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Using your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works perfectly here. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with structure.

How ripe should my bananas be for the best banana bread?

The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully blackened peel are ideal because they’re sweeter and softer, which gives the bread excellent moisture and flavor.

What coconut oil works best for this recipe?

Melted refined coconut oil is a great choice if you prefer a neutral flavor, but unrefined (virgin) coconut oil adds a warm, coconutty note that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

Can I omit the nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can customize! Leaving out nuts won’t drastically change the texture. Chocolate chips bring extra indulgence, but feel free to skip or substitute with dried fruit or seeds.

Is this banana bread suitable for kids?

Definitely! It’s plant-based and naturally sweet, making it a wholesome treat that kids will love. Just be mindful of the nut pieces if you’re serving to young children with allergies.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread feels like sharing a warm hug baked into a loaf. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it fresh from the oven or make a batch ahead for busy mornings, this recipe will quickly become a treasured classic in your kitchen. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!

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