Chunky Monkey Banana Bread (Vegan & GF Friendly)

This chunky monkey banana bread recipe is vegan, dairy-free, eggless, and gluten-free friendly! It’s packed with coconut flakes, walnuts, and chocolate chips in every bite. This loaf is incredibly moist, fluffy, tender, and contains a tropical coconutty flavor. It’s a fun twist on classic banana bread and made for coconut lovers!

Bananas, coconut, chocolate, and walnuts… what more could you ask for?! These tropical flavors all come together perfectly to create this chunky monkey banana bread. It’s similar to my Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe, but fruitier, nuttier, and full of unique textures!

This coconut banana bread is ridiculously easy to make. It’s made with one bowl and pantry staples, all of which you may already have at home. It’s sweetened with brown sugar, contains a hint of cinnamon, and pockets of melted chocolate. Plus, the crunchy bits of coconut and walnuts complement the bread’s light and fluffy texture. You would never know there’s no dairy, no butter, and no eggs needed!

What is chunky monkey banana bread made of?

• Flour: While this recipe is made with all-purpose flour, you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. I highly recommend using the Bob’s Red Mill brand for the best results.
• Mashed banana: Only use overripe bananas that have a yellow, spotty peel. The bananas should be soft, fragrant, and very sweet.
• Brown sugar: This loaf is sweetened with brown sugar, which helps produce a moist texture. You can also use coconut sugar if you prefer that instead.
• Coconut oil: Unrefined coconut oil has a subtle coconut flavor, while refined oil is flavorless and odorless. You can use either one for this recipe as they work the same way.
• Coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk creates a rich flavor and super moist texture. While other nut milks will work, such as almond milk, I strongly suggest using canned coconut milk.
• Coconut flakes: This ingredient is just chopped dried coconut. Make sure you use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut. They should be raw and unsweetened; don’t use toasted coconut or it will burn while baking.
• Walnuts: The chunky monkey flavor is traditionally made with walnuts, but you can use pecans or peanuts instead.
• Chocolate chips: A chunky monkey flavor is not complete without chocolate! Use your favorite chocolate chips, whether dark or milk.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla creates a sweeter flavor and aroma.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice improves the overall flavor and aroma.
• Baking powder and soda: These two leavening agents help the batter rise while baking.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate, sugar, and coconut.

How to make coconut chocolate chip banana bread

Step 1: Combine the wet ingredients

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some of the paper hanging over the edges.

Then, add mashed banana, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract to a large bowl. Whisk together.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

Next, add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over-mix the batter; stop once the ingredients are combined.

After, add coconut flakes, crushed walnuts, and chocolate chips to the batter. Mix together.

Step 3: Bake the chunky monkey banana bread

Finally, pour the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle the toppings (extra coconut flakes, crushed walnuts, and chocolate chips) on top.

Bake the banana bread for 55-60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes inside the pan. Remove from the pan, then let it continue cooling completely. After, slice and enjoy!

Tips for perfecting this coconut banana bread

Measure the flour correctly. Use a food scale to properly measure the flour. This recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, which weighs roughly 268 grams. If you don’t have a food scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level off any excess. Do not scoop and pack the flour into the cup. If you do, you’ll end up using too much flour.

Do not over-mix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, gently fold them into the wet ingredients until they combine. If you over-mix the batter, the flour’s gluten will overdevelop and create a tough banana bread.

Check to make sure the center if cooked through. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the banana bread is done baking. However, if it comes out with wet batter on it, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Cool completely before slicing. Make sure it cools down completely, then slice into the bread. If you’re impatient, you won’t get clean slices.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How to store chunky monkey banana bread

Store leftover coconut banana bread inside a sealed container. If you are consuming it within one day, you can leave it at room temperature on the countertop. If you are consuming it within 2-5 days, keep it in the refrigerator.

This loaf is also freezer-friendly! If you would like to save it longterm, tightly cover the loaf (or slices) in cling wrap. Then, store it in the freezer. Enjoy it within one month. Let it thaw before consuming.

If you try this Chunky Monkey Banana Bread, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below!

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