Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Nut Bread
Moist, fudgy banana bread packed with rich cocoa flavor and crunchy walnuts. The combination of ripe bananas and maple syrup creates natural sweetness, while oat flour and almond meal provide tender texture without gluten. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert when you want something indulgent yet wholesome. This one-bowl recipe keeps cleanup simple, and the flax egg binding creates the perfect crumb structure that rivals traditional versions.
Ingredients
- 3 medium very ripe bananas
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 flax egg, 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, whisk together, set for 5 mins
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups gluten free oat flour
- ¾ cup almond meal
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon mini vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, each(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and line loaf pan with parchment paper
- 2
Mash bananas in large bowl until smooth
- 3
Whisk in coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, flax egg and vanilla until incorporated
- 4
Add oat flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt
- 5
Whisk until just combined with no flour patches
- 6
Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips
- 7
Pour batter into prepared pan
- 8
Sprinkle with additional nuts and chips if desired
- 9
Bake for 65-80 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
- 10
Cool on rack for 1 hour before slicing
Tips
Make sure bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and easier mashing
Don't overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the bread tender
Test doneness with a toothpick as baking time can vary by 15 minutes depending on your oven
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and wrapped tightly
Slice and serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the flax egg resting time to avoid crumbly texture
Avoid overbaking or the bread will be dry
Let cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without the chocolate chips?
Yes, simply omit them or substitute with dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
What if I don't have oat flour?
You can make your own by grinding rolled oats in a food processor until fine, or substitute with another gluten-free flour blend.
How long will this bread keep?
The bread stays fresh at room temperature for 3 days or can be refrigerated up to 1 week when properly stored.