Best Ever Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
One of the best comforting quick breads out there on this earth is this amazing Best Ever Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipe. It’s vegan, easy to make and we don’t know of anyone who can turn this Banana Chocolate Chip Bread down!
It has the perfect balance of chocolate and banana! It’s so moist, dense, and full of true banana flavor with mini shots of chocolate in each bite. It’s also healthy and made vegan, using one bowl, no mixer and easy to throw together without a lot of fuss.
Why We Love This Easy Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe!
- If you thought you had to compromise on flavor and texture when baking with vegan ingredients, think again. With just a few simple and healthy ingredients, this healthy vegan banana bread recipe will blow you away with its irresistibly dense texture, sweet banana flavor, and chocolatey chip goodness. No eggs!
- This vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipe will show you that vegan baking can be just as delicious as traditional baking.
- Not only is it the ultimate decadence for any occasion, but it is also easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients.
About Ripe Bananas for Our Best Ever Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
This Best-Ever Banana Chocolate Chip Bread is a great recipe if you have ripe bananas that you need to use up before they go completely bad.
Ripe bananas are the way to go when making any banana bread BTW. The riper the banana, the sweeter the banana flavor tastes! It’s often used as a sugar replacement, although I find I have to add a little sugar when making a cake or bread, because it’s too bland without it most of the time.
Don’t Throw Ripe Bananas Away!
Now…if you don’t have time to make something with your ripe bananas, don’t keep throwing them out! I was doing this for a long time and it was such a waste. Frozen bananas are great to have on hand for smoothies and baking goodies, and take just a few minutes to prepare.
You can either leave them in their banana skins and place them in a ziplock bag and freeze them. When ready to use, just let them thaw a bit and them remove them from the banana peel. Super easy and this is what I call the lazy way, which there’s no shame!
Or…you can go ahead and take them out of their skins and chop them up to desired size and freeze them. First, line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and line up the banana pieces in a single layer, which ensures they don’t stick together. Freeze until the bananas are solid, about 2 hours, then place them all in a ziplock bag or freezer-friendly container and freeze away. Be sure to label the containers/bags and freeze the bananas for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready, thaw the bananas pieces and use them in muffins, cookies, quick breads or pancakes.
Healthy Sugar Options
Speaking of sugar, as for a vegan sugar, Zulka is a great organic choice and bonus — it’s also non-GMO! Some sugars go through a refining process which uses charred cattle bones to make it look whiter. Zulka is never refined and does not use animal products in any part of production.
Most stores carry Zulka Pure Cane Sugar for a very, very affordable price and Zulka also has Brown Pure Cane Sugar, Powdered Pure Cane Sugar and a Zulka Balance Sugar & Stevia too!
I used the brown sugar, but you can use the regular cane sugar or coconut sugar as well and you will be very happy with it. I use it all the time and I love the results when making this healthy vegan banana bread!
Gather Your Ingredients
Best Ever Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
- 4 medium ripe bananas or 3 medium bananas + ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- olive oil or oil of choice or melted vegan butter, melted coconut oil
- unsweetened non-dairy milk
- brown sugar, Zulka is a good choice
- maple syrup or vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1 for 1 cup flour like Bob’s Red Mill
- cinnamon
- baking soda
- salt
- dairy-free chocolate chips we used Enjoy life Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions How to Make Best Ever Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper and spray again, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, for the wet ingredients, mash the bananas using a fork or masher. Add the brown sugar, oil, vanilla/maple syrup, and almond milk, and whisk together until combined.
- In another large bowl, add in the dry ingredients of flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and use a wooden spoon to mix until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf tin.
- Bake for about 50 – 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a couple crumbs.
- Make sure bread has baked through on top of bread.
Storing Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread
- Refrigerate: Store the bread in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 7 days or at room temperature for 3-4 days, if it lasts that long!
- Freeze: Store the bread in the freezer for up to 12 months. Put it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil so it stays fresh.
More Variations
- Add Nuts: Love banana bread with a nutty crunch? Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra texture and flavor. This adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft, moist bread.
- Switch Up the Chocolate: Besides vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use vegan chocolate chunks, vegan dark chocolate chips, or even vegan white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. For a more indulgent treat, try using a mix of vegan chocolate types.
- Incorporate Dried Fruits: For a chewy and sweet addition, mix in some dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. They complement the banana flavor and add a natural sweetness to the bread.
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. It adds a bit of texture and a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. A pinch of these spices will elevate the warm, comforting flavor of the banana bread.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free 1-for-1 flour blend to cater to different dietary needs. You can also add a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber and omega-3s.
- Add a Sweet and Salty Topping: For a delicious contrast, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the loaf before baking. The salty crunch adds a surprising burst of flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Cinnamon Swirl: For an extra layer of flavor, swirl a cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds a touch of spice.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the batter for a healthy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for post-workout or a quick breakfast.
The vegan healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Bread is an easy to make, delicious treat that is sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Packed full of flavor, it also contains many health benefits such as being dairy-free, low in sugar, and high in good fats and fiber.
Now who’s got some bananas, chocolate chips and a hankering for Banana Chocolate Chip Bread? I knew you did! Get ready for a yummy slice! Share on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram!
FAQ for Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter. This will prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
2. How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
To make this banana bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-for-1 flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill. This will ensure the texture remains similar to traditional banana bread.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. Consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar, or simply cut back on the brown sugar. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar may slightly alter the texture and moisture of the bread.
4. How do I store this banana bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 12 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or fruit?
Yes, feel free to customize your banana bread! You can add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries) to the batter for added flavor and texture.
6. Do I need to use a specific type of dairy-free chocolate chips?
Any dairy-free chocolate chips will work in this recipe. Brands like Enjoy Life or Hu Kitchen offer great vegan chocolate chip options. You can also use vegan dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
7. Why is my banana bread too dense or undercooked in the center?
If your banana bread turns out too dense or undercooked, it could be due to several reasons: overmixing the batter, using too much banana, or not baking it long enough. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined, measure your ingredients carefully, and use a toothpick to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out mostly clean, with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
Love Banana Chocolate Chip Bread? You’ll also Love…
- The Bomb Vegan Banana Bread Muffins and Donuts
- The Best Vegan Banana Pancakes
- Sweet & Healthy Oatmeal Date Banana Bars
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bars
- Soft Baked Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Vegan Banana Bread with Strawberries
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Easy Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe bananas or 3 medium bananas + ¼ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup olive oil or oil of choice or melted vegan butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar Zulka is a good choice
- 2 tsp maple syrup or vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1 for1 cup flour like Bob’s Red Mill
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips we used Enjoy life Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper and spray again, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or masher. Add the brown sugar, oil, vanilla/maple syrup, and almond milk, and whisk together until combined.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and use a wooden spoon to mix until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.
- Bake for about 50 - 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a couple crumbs.
- Make sure bread has baked through on top of bread.
Notes
Related posts:
Excellent! Very yummy!