Healthy Banana Bread – A Light, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Delight

This Healthy Banana Bread is a guilt-free, delicious twist on the classic banana bread, made entirely vegan and gluten-free. The use of ripe bananas creates a naturally sweet and moist base, while coconut sugar and maple syrup add a subtle caramel flavor without refined sugars. Oat flour is the star of this recipe, giving the bread a light yet hearty texture that holds up well. With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Add in walnuts or chocolate chips for some extra crunch and indulgence. This recipe is simple, healthy, and full of flavor, making it ideal for anyone looking for a wholesome treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
  
  

• ⅓ cup coconut sugar
  
  

• ¼ cup maple syrup
  
  

• ¼ cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
  
  

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
  
  

• 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 (optional, for topping)
  
  

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
   
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
   
   

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   
   

5. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if using.
   
   

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
   
   

7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
   

8. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 226 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 31g
  
  

• Protein: 4g
  
  

• Fat: 10g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
  
  

• Sodium: 292mg
  
  

• Potassium: 125mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 12g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 2 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg
  
  

• Calcium: 68mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg