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Best Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe (V, GF): a one bowl recipe for deliciously moist banana bread bursting with chocolate and made with healthy, whole ingredients. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Healthy.
The last time I shared a bread recipe post that really touched people in an emotional way was Vegan Chocolate Banana Nut Bread. I think about that post from time to time when I’m getting down about myself and know that things need to change. My attitude, my outlook, my whole way of looking at things… needs to change.
It should be as simple as turning that frown upside down, right?
But it isn’t. Sometimes I think about the reasons why I started this blog. And it always starts with one point: my mom. She’s been my guiding light, my inspiration, my drive, my heart for more years than I can count. Okay… since I was born. There, that was easy. Beaming Baker always starts with my mom.
The biggest and most important thing she ever taught me was to be kind—to be open—to people, to possibilities, to vulnerability. Things weren’t always roses growing up. I had another influence in my life that tried to impress upon me the complete opposite thing. And was very, very hard on all of us kids. I don’t talk about this person very often and I still choose not to.
Why? Because we’re gonna keep it positive here, but we’re also gonna keep it honest. To speak more about this person would be to give him the space and power that I don’t want or need in my life. I choose to focus on what my mom taught me–openness, positivity and love.
I am always open with you and I always try my darnedest to share in my experiences—in hopes that you will, too.
This blog is not just about baking; it’s about life. It’s about the connections we have with each other.
When I started
working on this recipe for moist banana bread, I flashed back to that day in the banana nut bread post, when I dropped the entire tray of perfect muffins (which I confusingly allude to in the post for bread—I know, I know). What led to that day and how I reacted? Why did I get so upset? And why did I push so hard for perfection?
Why did I punish myself for making a simple mistake?
And right in that moment, as I chose to take a mental break from it all—the baking, the expectations, the constant disappointment from that person—I decided to check my email.
There in my inbox was an email from a reader. One that told me that I was too wordy, I should just “GET TO THE POINT” and stop “blabbing” on and on about my “nonsense.” There were comments along the lines of “no one cares about your stories,” “why are you wasting my time”, and “really, no one gives a crap about your mom, so stop rambling on about her.”
That really hurt me. That really shook me and it felt like the final straw in a long line of crappiness that day. Growing up with the constant disappointment of someone you care so much about, you’re always the first to be disappointed in yourself. You know other peoples’ harsh criticisms before they’re even lobbed your way.
You know what you’re doing wrong before anyone even utters a word.
I had been taught by that negative influence in my life that I didn’t matter. That I should stop rambling on and on. That I only mattered in the ways that could benefit him. And if I didn’t live up to his expectations and live my life the way he wanted me to, then I was a disappointment.
Seeing that email (and many others from that point on) made me question myself and my sense of self worth. What was I doing right? Was I “performing” and behaving in a way that pleased people? Did I write and shoot and present recipes in a way that was perfect for every single person on this planet?
Does that even matter?
I know the answer to this one. It doesn’t. I can’t please everyone in the entire goshdarn world. I can only live my life and be who I choose to be. I’ve come too far to live at the mercy of some other person’s opinions and ideas of who I should be.
From the first point of Beaming Baker to the very last, I want this for you, for all of us: openness. Love, acceptance.
This is what the Beaming Baker community is about. We’re here to support each other, bolster each other, and tell each other that all of our stories are important. I’ll say it again, because it needs repeating:
This blog is not just about baking; it’s about life. It’s about the connections we have with each other and the lives that we share.
We may not be on the same continent, we make not have the same friends, but we are here, doing this baking and LIFE thing, together.
And if you don’t agree, that’s completely up to you. You don’t have to read my posts, you don’t have to “suffer” through anything. Be free and find the blogs, websites, or community that suits you.
And for those of you who do, welcome and hello, again. I say it with every post, and I’ll say it ’til I stop blogging: it’s so wonderful to share in these kitchen moments and adventures with you.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing in these sweet moments with me.
It’s your emails, Instagram posts, comments and family pics that I live for. 🙂 It’s why I work as hard as I do to share the best recipes with you. <3 And I never, ever take that lightly.
Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Now, for the good stuff: the star of this emotional post… my Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe. It’s moist, it’s banana-packed, and it’s full of all the chocolate chips! (Don’t tell me you didn’t guess that from the recipe name. ;)). It’s one of my favorite quick bread recipes to date—and you know I love all of my babies! This banana bread is incredible! I literally had to slice and freeze most of the loaf to stop eating it. It’s:
- made in just one bowl
- so perfectly moist and delicious… seriously one of my favorite quick breads!!
- … along with these: . One Bowl Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Bread, my first . bread: Moist Vegan Gluten Free Zucchini Bread Recipe (GF, Easy, Healthy) . Easy Vegan Lemon Almond Poppy Seed Bread Recipe (Gluten-Free) and my reader-loved . Vegan Gluten Free Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- vegan, gluten free, dairy-free
- deliciously refined sugar-free
- my sister’s favorite vegan banana bread with chocolate chips!
- made with the simple, healthy, whole ingredients you know and love
- and, of course, made with all the love, just for you
I’d apologize for the lengthiness of this post, but that seems completely not-in-keeping with what I just said. Lol. My hope in sharing this is that you know that no matter what anyone says to you, you matter; your stories matter. And if you ever want/need an ear, I’m right here.
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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❤️ Did you make this moist banana chocolate chip bread recipe? Take a pic & share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I would love to see it! ❤️
If you enjoyed this Best Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe, then you’ll just love these delicious and easy gluten free vegan banana recipes:
More Gluten Free Vegan Banana Recipes
- Irresistible Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Bars
- One Bowl Vegan Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread
- Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
- Super Moist Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (Gluten Free)
- Healthy Banana Blueberry Muffins Recipe
- Vegan Banana Bread Bars
- Looking for a nut-free banana bread? Try my Easy Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe (Vegan, Dairy-Free)
Best Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free, One Bowl)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium bananas, very ripe (1 cup + 2 tablespoons, mashed)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 flax egg, 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, whisk together, set for 15 mins
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten free oat flour, if using homemade oat flour make sure it’s very finely ground—not coarse*
- ¾ cup almond meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- ¾ cup vegan chocolate chips, mini and regular
Optional Topping
- 1-2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips, mini and regular
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
- Peel bananas and add to a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy whisk or fork, mash bananas until smooth. Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, flax egg and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated.
- Add oat flour, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (optional) and salt. Whisk together until just incorporated, making sure no flour patches remain. Batter will be a bit thick. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth batter into an even layer, with the shape of a rise down the center—just like a loaf. Optionally, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Lightly press chocolate chips into the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes. Mine took 65 minutes. Test for doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center of the loaf. The toothpick will come out clean-ish, with just a few bits of moisture on it when the loaf is done.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 2 hours. Lift out, slice and enjoy!
Adapted from my Vegan Chocolate Banana Nut Bread.
Notes
- *If using homemade oat flour, make sure to sift the flour to remove coarse bits of oats that could create grainy texture.
- Storage notes: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- This loaf freezes well. Wrap in parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, or heat in the microwave in 10-second increments until just warm.
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This bread looks better than any other recipe I have seen these last two days. 🙂
Would it work to sub a nut butter for the coconut oil? Or soy milk?
The oil would make it richer? Would it still be moist with the nut butter or soy milk?
Hi Pil! Hmm… I’m afraid the nut butter would be too thick and leave a chewy texture to the bread. The milk would be too watery… maybe try a combination of both (2 Tablespoons of each to replace the oil)? Or try applesauce. I’m not sure though… Good luck!!
Hi Demeter!
I just found your blog a few days ago, and have so enjoyed reading through all I have missed. Like all the others who have commented, I love your posts, and reading about your family life, and your amazing recipes!
I know that it is difficult to read such a mean email as you received, but your light shines above all of that. I can feel the caring and love you have in your posts. Forget the negative people, and focus on those of us who think you are amazing!
I am going in to my kitchen to bake this bread right now! I made the pumpkin muffins this morning and they were delicious!!
Thank you for your blogs!! Keep them coming please!!
Hi Margie!! Thank you x a million for your kind, thoughtful comment. Your words lift me up and make this whole food blogging journey SO positive. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the banana bread. Big hugs to you! Xo
So I happened to come across this after I saw your ‘Almond Joy’ ice cream on Facebook. Read the story and loved it. Came to this one and read the story and loved it and I was sad too, that someone felt the need to share so much vileness with you. It’s such a reflection of who they are, completely unnecessary. I love your stories, I love your recipes (I’m going to try one today .- will feedback) I love that you respond to comments- though not necessary, but you do. The impact of your mom’s love and guidance shines through. As someone who struggles with the need to perform. I get it. .
Mpho, your comment truly means so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts and to leave your thoughts. . I’ll have to tell my mom about your kind words. ☺️ Here’s to being kinder to ourselves and embracing positivity. Big hugs to you. .
This looks amazing!! Heading to the kitchen to make it as we speak! Quick question though (and probably a dumb one!) but is almond meal different than almond flour?? .
There’s no such thing as a dumb question around here! Almond flour is blanched (meaning the nuts didn’t have any of the skin on them before being ground) and this is lighter, fluffier and looks more white.
Almond meal is unblanched, meaning the nets were ground with the skin on. It has flecks of brown in it, and has a bit of a heartier texture. Hope this helps, and that you enjoy the bread!
Thank you for sharing your stories along with the amazing recipes, I always enjoy reading your posts! This banana bread looks amazing!!!!! I would love to try making it but cannot have almond meal. Is there anything else I could replace the almond meal with? (can’t have coconut flour either). Maybe just use more oat flour? or all purpose gluten free flour?
Thanks again and hugs x
Thank you Cynthia! Your support means so much. ☺️
As for the almond meal, you could sub it for the same amount of sunflower seed meal or cashew meal. Or, here’s the advice I gave another reader on using all oat flour: Increase the oat flour by 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons. So, the total amount of oat flour in the entire recipe will be 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons. I haven’t tried this sub out yet myself, so let me know how it turns out!
Thank you so much! I just made it today and used your recipe with all oat flour instead of the almond meal as you suggested and it tastes amazing!!! 🙂 I’ll post a pic on insta soon and tag you 🙂 Thank you, thank you! xo
My pleasure! 🙂 I’m so happy you loved it! Going to check it out soon!! Xoxo
First of all, I LOVE reading your stories – you can always make my laugh or smile 🙂
Secondly, the people that go out of their way to send someone a hurtful email about a post that the blogger put all their heart into – are those people even normal? Because I certainly could NOT do that. They are just out to hurt others, and you don’t want them sort of people on your blog anyway. You write beautifully and your photos are drool-worthy!
Last but not least – I want to eat this entire loaf! It looks so moist and delicious! 🙂
Marsha, thank you SO much for taking the time to leave this comment. It made me happy to hear that reading my stories brings a smile to your face. 🙂 You’re so right about it all. I don’t imagine I could send that kind of email either. You know I absolutely love your stunning photography and your wonderful blog. Big hugs to you my friend. xo
Love using a combination of almond and oat flours!! I have ripe bananas on hand now too! 🙂
It’s such a wonderful combo! And so great for using up those ripe bananas. 🙂
I’ve tried many of your recipes, and can’t wait to try this one. None have ever disappointed—even my non-GF husband enjoys them!
I don’t typically leave public comments, but I felt compelled after reading this post. I so appreciate that you share your baking expertise with the world, and love reading your stories. I respect the amount of vulnerability it takes to put your true self out there, and value the great recipes I get along the way. Please know that the vast majority of your readers sincerely look forward to your posts, so don’t be distracted by the negative naysayers. You keep doing you! And thank you!!
Meghan, I’m so grateful for your comment. <3 Your support means the world to me. It’s readers like you that keep me going, that keep me inspired and motivated to create better recipe and better stories.
I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband are enjoying my recipes! Thank you for taking the time to comment. It means so much to me. xo
Hi! I’m so sorry you received some cruddy comments that got you down. It’s a bummer that people can sometimes behave so cruelly. And, hello? Ever hear of “scroll?” I love your blog (you do you!) and I totally love this banana bread (okay — I’ll confess that those chocolate chips hooked me!)! I hope to try it sooooon!
Thank you, Patricia. 🙂 I truly appreciate you taking the time to write this comment. You rock!!! Can’t wait to hear what you think! .
I will be making this soon. I have bananas that need to be used up!
Perfect timing! Be sure to let me know how it turns out! ☺️