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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 Iโm getting down about myself and know that things need to change. My attitude, my outlook, my whole way of looking at thingsโฆ needs to change.
It should be as simple as turning that frown upside down, right?
But it isnโt. Sometimes I think about the reasons why I started this blog. And it always starts with one point: my mom. Sheโs been my guiding light, my inspiration, my drive, my heart for more years than I can count. Okayโฆ 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 kindโto be openโto people, to possibilities, to vulnerability. Things werenโt 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 donโt talk about this person very often and I still choose not to.
Why? Because weโre gonna keep it positive here, but weโre also gonna keep it honest. To speak more about this person would be to give him the space and power that I donโt want or need in my life. I choose to focus on what my mom taught meโopenness, positivity and love.
I am always open with you and I always try my darnedest to share in my experiencesโin hopes that you will, too.
This blog is not just about baking; itโs about life. Itโs 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 breadโI 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 allโthe baking, the expectations, the constant disappointment from that personโI 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 โGET TO THE POINTโ and stop โblabbingโ on and on about my โnonsense.โ There were comments along the lines of โno one cares about your stories,โ โwhy are you wasting my timeโ, and โreally, no one gives a crap about your mom, so stop rambling on about her.โ
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, youโre always the first to be disappointed in yourself. You know other peoplesโ harsh criticisms before theyโre even lobbed your way.
You know what youโre doing wrong before anyone even utters a word.
I had been taught by that negative influence in my life that I didnโt matter. That I should stop rambling on and on. That I only mattered in the ways that could benefit him. And if I didnโt 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 โperformingโ 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 doesnโt. I canโt please everyone in the entire goshdarn world. I can only live my life and be who I choose to be. Iโve come too far to live at the mercy of some other personโs 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. Weโre here to support each other, bolster each other, and tell each other that all of our stories are important. Iโll say it again, because it needs repeating:
This blog is not just about baking; itโs about life. Itโs 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 donโt agree, thatโs completely up to you. You donโt have to read my posts, you donโt have to โsufferโ 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 Iโll say it โtil I stop blogging: itโs 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.
Itโs your emails, Instagram posts, comments and family pics that I live for. ๐ Itโs 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 postโฆ my Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe. Itโs moist, itโs banana-packed, and itโs full of all the chocolate chips! (Donโt tell me you didnโt guess that from the recipe name. ;)). Itโs one of my favorite quick bread recipes to dateโand 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. Itโs:
- made in just one bowl
- so perfectly moist and deliciousโฆ seriously one of my favorite quick breads!!
- โฆ 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 sisterโs 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
Iโd 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, Iโm right here.
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter โค๏ธ
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โค๏ธ 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! โค๏ธ
If you enjoyed this Best Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe, then youโll 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)
- ยผ cup melted coconut oil
- ยผ 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 ยฝ cups gluten free oat flour, if using homemade oat flour make sure itโs very finely groundโnot coarse*
- ยพ cup almond meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ยผ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- ยพ cup vegan chocolate chips, mini and regular
Optional Topping
- 1-2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips, mini and regular
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF. 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 centerโjust 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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Hi, Iโve made this bread a few times now and I have just made 1 with chick pea water /aquafabia! Iโll let you know how it turns out!
Fantastic! Canโt wait to hear how it goes!
I made this for Christmas brunch and it was such a hit! Everyone loved it! Thank you for all your delicious recipes!
Woohoo!!! Thatโs awesome, CJ!! Thank YOU for taking time out of your day to let me know. Happy baking! ๐
so thankful for you and your blog! you do you, girl <3
appreciate every ounce of effort you put into your recipes, and time taken to share them! most importantly, share your vulnerabilities which can be so hard for many of us, myself included :'))
Iโm so thankful for you, Cheryl! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your sweet words. Letโs make a pact to open up more & be vulnerable together. Sending you big hugs, xo.
Hi! About to bake! Can almond flour be subbed for almond meal? Thank you!!!
Hi Elizabeth! Yep, that works. Hope you enjoy the bread!
I cannot tell you how much I love your blog/recipes and how much it has helped and inspired me. Iโve been on a health journey and your recipes have been just amazing! It has completely helped me kick the ol refined sugar addiction without feeling deprived in anyway. I am so grateful for all that you share, truly and I just cannot get over that someone sent you that email. That breaks my heart and there is something seriously wrong with them. I just dont get it. Anyway, please keep doing what youโre doing; sharing your recipes and sharing your heart. Itโs truly beautiful and heartwarming. Much love to you โค
Oh wowโitโs SO wonderful to hear all of this! I love that my recipes, in any small way, have helped you to kick that refined sugar addition & made the healthy journey easier. ๐ Thank you for caring, taking the time to comment, and trying my recipes. One really amazing thing that has come out of this negativity has been interacting with kind folks like you. Sending you lots of gratitude & love. โค๏ธ
Oh my goodness. I used this recipe tonight my family and I are amazed at how delicious the result was! My 13 year old daughter said, โI had no idea gluten free banana bread could be so good!โ I agree. I did make a couple changes out of necessity: I used half and half canola and regular (not EV) olive oil since Iโm out of coconut oil, and I used honey instead of the sugar because Iโm following a diet for IBS and IBD that doesnโt allow any added sugar other than honey (I mixed the honey with the wet ingredients in the beginning). Again, the bread is superb!
Itโs so amazing to read your initial moving comment, then to come back and see that you made the recipe! ๐ Send your daughter a big high-five for me! Sheโs got good taste. ๐ Hehe. Love that your substitutes worked out splendidly. Enjoy. Thank you so much to take the time to report back. Hugs!
I am new to your blog and I donโt generally follow blogs, but I think Iโm hooked. Iโve tried a couple of your recipes and loved them, and I really enjoy reading your posts. You are a great writer, with a sincerity, great sense of humor, and a good grasp of grammar (yea!). Please donโt change a thing. Iโm sorry to hear about the critical, negative email that you received, but I hope itโs some comfort to know that those of us who love your blog and your voice greatly outweigh the amount of negativity that the one email conveyed. Maybe that one person is/was feeling unhappy and you were just the easy target; who knows. As a woman who, sadly, lost my mother last Winter, I love seeing you celebrate and honor your own mom.
Finally, I applaud you for taking care of yourself by limiting energy and brain space that you allow a negative presence from your past to claim. Last Fall I learned about self-compassion, and practicing mindful self compassion has been incredibly good for me. Iโm learning that if I avoid self-criticism, I have more positivity and compassion available to share with others. I highly recommend it and especially, Kristin Neffโs book โSelf Compassionโ, if youโre at all interested. I look forward to reading your future posts. Thank you all your hard work and generosity!
Hi Alice, let me first thank you so, so much for taking the time to leave your thoughtful comment. Itโs so encouraging to hear such positive feedback from you, and to hear about your journey with mindfulness. Itโs always quite the exercise to be present and aware of how much energy Iโm giving towards things that are negative, and in the long run, donโt matter. Thank you for your book recommendationโIโll have to look into it! Hereโs to practicing self-compassion and spreading more positivity in the world. And to celebrating our amazing mothers, whether theyโre here with us now or in our hearts. <3 Sending you lots of gratitude & great big bear hugs.
Yeah, what they all said!! Tbh, I often scroll through cuz Iโm a busy mom and just want the recipe. But thatโs my choice, not a reflection on you. What you do matters. It matters to you, your family, your readers. I love that you are connected to the things that matter and remain true to who you are. Have you read The Four Agreements? One of to not take things personally. The person w the email could scroll past, unfollow, whatever, but chose instead to be nasty about it. This is a reflection of THEM and whatever crap THEY are going through. Not you. Donโt take it personally. You know what you need, and the readers that connect to you need it, also. So keep doing your thang, girl!!! โค๏ธ..
(Recipe looks great, btw ..)
Thank you, Jana. I truly appreciate everything you said. Youโre so right about not taking things personally. I think after a while, and a number of emails and comments like that negative one, I felt like I had to speak up. And Iโm glad I did, because it led me to connect with people like you. โค๏ธ Big hugs to you!! โฆ
Would this recipe work for muffins too?
Thank you!
can i substitute coconut oil with (rice oil or olive oil) โบ๏ธ
Thatโll probably work! Just note: the flavor of the oil may influence the flavor of the bread.