Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This is the BEST vegan chocolate chip banana bread recipe! It’s incredibly moist, fluffy, sweet, and tender. The easy one-bowl recipe is dairy-free, eggless, and gluten-free friendly. It’s packed with simple ingredients like brown sugar, chocolate chips, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s a total crowdpleaser and serves as a delicious breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Why you’ll love this vegan banana bread with chocolate chips

Say hello to what is truly the best vegan chocolate chip banana bread EVER. As a total banana bread lover, I’ve tried countless loaves throughout my life… and I can confidently say this recipe is my absolute favorite one of all!

This is just like my original The Best Vegan Banana Bread recipe, but with the perfect amount of chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, and crushed walnuts added. For years, whenever I’ve followed that banana bread recipe, I’ve always added the chocolate and walnuts. So, I figured a separate post (dedicated to this version) was long overdue!

There are SO many amazing things about this banana bread. For starters, it is perfectly moist, tender, light and fluffy. It’s deliciously sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It contains pockets of melted chocolate and buttery walnuts in nearly every bite.

What’s more, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make. From start to finish, it’s made in one hour using just one bowl and a loaf pan. It also uses pantry staples like flour, coconut oil, and almond milk. Plus, you would never guess it’s made with no dairy, no eggs, and no butter.

I am so excited for you to try this banana bread! It’s always my go-to when baking for a loved one, because I know it will be adored by anyone who tries it. It makes a delicious breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

What is vegan chocolate chip banana bread made of?

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour, otherwise known as plain flour. If you’d like to make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. I highly suggest the Bob’s Red Mill brand for the best results.
• Mashed banana: Make sure you use overripe bananas. They should be soft, fragrant, and have a brown spotty peel.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar creates a sweet flavor and moist texture.
• Coconut oil: You can use unrefined or refined coconut oil. Keep in mind, the unrefined kind has a subtle coconut flavor while the refined kind is totally flavorless.
• Almond milk: While I love using almond milk, other types of milk will work too. You can try it with cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
• Walnuts: Walnuts provide a crunchy, buttery texture. I love adding them to the batter, as well as on top! I highly recommend keeping walnuts in the recipe, even if you don’t like nuts that much. It takes the loaf to the next level and creates a more interesting texture.
• Chocolate chips: I always love using a combination of regular chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips. The variation creates an elevated texture and flavor. However, you can stick with regular chocolate chips if that’s all you have.
• Vanilla extract: This recipe uses two full teaspoons of vanilla extract. It creates a sweeter flavor and aroma.
• Cinnamon: This healthy spice adds a hint of warmth that improves the overall flavor.
• Baking powder and soda: These leavening agents help the batter rise into a fluffy loaf.
• Salt: Add a dash of salt to enhance the overall flavor.

How to make vegan chocolate chip banana bread

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Step 1: Combine 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. 

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

Step 2: Add dry ingredients

Then, 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.

Next, add crushed walnuts, chocolate chips, and mini chocolate chips. Mix together.

Step 3: Bake the vegan banana bread

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle toppings (additional crushed walnuts and mini 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, carefully slice. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best vegan banana bread

Measure the flour correctly. I recommend using a food scale to accurately measure the flour. This recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, which weighs approximately 268 grams. If you do not have a food scale, make sure you spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level off any excess. Do not scoop and pack the flour into the cup, or you’ll end up using too much flour.

Do not over-mix the batter. After adding the dry ingredients, simply fold them into the wet ingredients until combined. If you over-mix the batter, you will over-develop the gluten in the flour. This causes banana bread to be tough rather than light and fluffy.

Check to make sure the center if cooked through. In order to ensure the banana bread is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is done baking. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter on it, continue baking for 5-10 minutes.

Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing. Stay patient – it’s totally worth it! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, but you must let the banana bread cool completely before slicing. 🙂

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How to store leftover vegan banana bread

Store leftover vegan banana bread inside a sealed container. If enjoying within 1 day, you can keep it at room temperature. If enjoying within 2-5 days, store it in the refrigerator.

You can store this banana bread inside the freezer if you would like to save it longterm. Tightly cover the loaf (or slices) in cling wrap. Then, store it in the freezer and enjoy within 1 month. Let it thaw before consuming.

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

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