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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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Thank you for sharing your story on how to deal with criticism and how ultimately the only way someone else’s negativity can affect you is if you allow it to. Our grounding starts in how hard we are on ourselves.
My experience has several folds. First, coming to the realization that I was extremely hard on myself. I was able to start giving myself more grace when I realized my children were learning my pattern of never allowing myself the grace I gave to others. Seeing them model this behavior was heartbreaking! Once I learned to give myself grace, love, and praise, I found this to be the beginning of being able to give even more grace and love to others!
My next incredibly powerful lesson was to stop accepting other people’s opinions of me. The hardest was the people closest to me. When I stopped trying to convince them that I am wonderful and instead was willing to accept that they might think badly of me, then I became free. While I can’t, nor should I, control other people’s opinions of me, that doesn’t make them true. People have many motivations for the things they say, including emotional self-preservation.
I’m so thankful to be free and the love that I am free to feel and give because of this freedom is nothing short of divine. I have also found new personal strength and perceptiveness growing since I have stopped always being on the defensive. Happy for you that you are also seeking beauty in your life.
Hi Cherie, thank YOU so much for sharing your experience with me. You are so right that we must be gentler and kinder to ourselves, always. To recognize the impact that you have on your children—and knowing that you had to change your outlook so it wouldn’t repeat itself in them—that is a gift. Thank you for raising kind human beings, and for promoting happiness and self acceptance in them, yourself and in the world. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your story. So, so happy for you.
This was so yummy! It had a nice moist and slightly dense texture similar to a brownie, which I love!
Yay! So happy to hear it Elyse! .
I’m allergic to almonds. What would substitute for the almond flour?
Hi Christine! You could use sunflower seed meal, or about 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons oat flour. You might need to play around with the amount of oat flour to get the right texture for you. Hope this helps!
I love your recipes and the wonderful way you deliver them. I commend your ability to eloquently express yourself. Your recipes delicious. And your words inspire and make me feel good about myself. I look forward to every post.
Tamara, I can’t thank you enough for your kind, heartwarming and generous comment. Truly. When I read it, I was like, “who me??” It’s truly an honor to make you feel good about yourself—what could be better? 🙂 Big hugs!
Thank you for this fabulous recipe! I will be making it today and please don’t listen to bitter people, if they don’t like it there’s literally thousands of other websites or they can just buy a book, anyways keep it going, I send you all good vibes.
Thank you so much, Laura! 🙂 Your kindness is so appreciated. Thank you for all the good vibes. Here I am sending you good vibes too!! Enjoy!
Hello beaming baker,
If there is anything i learned over the years is to be myself , and not please anybody. Own your story, speak your truth, and be non-apologetic about it. Nevertheless, your recipe of banana bread is a must try for me, but I need to know what I can use in place of almond meal because I am allergic to anything almond..
Best Wishes,
Chinyelu
Hi Chinyelu, thank you for your wise words. They’re something I’ll be repeating to myself for many years to come. Almond meal: substitute with cashew meal or sunflower seed meal. Hope you enjoy!
LOVED this recipe! I needed some mini muffins for tea time with my kids and this recipe worked perfectly! I just put them in a mini muffin pan and baked them for 12-14 minutes or so. I think next time i’ll leave out the maple syrup because the bananas plus chocolate chips are plenty sweet enough for me. Thank you!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Abigail! .
Woohoo another recipe I cant wait to try love how your recipe actually come out good. Thanks so kind you share your recipes, my family are so grateful!!
Yay!!!! I love your enthusiasm and truly appreciate your kindness. ❤️ Count me 2x more grateful for you! 🙂 Happy baking to you and your family, Tarj!
Are there any alterations I need to make if I don’t add chocolate chips? The person I am making this for does not like chocolate…can you imagine?!?
No alterations needed! 🙂 Also, I cannot imagine!!! Lolol. Hope you and your friend just love it. Happy baking, Barbara! 🙂
Thank you for your reply!
I finally find my Banana bread recipe. This is the best recipe I ever try and will keep it !!!
Your blog is so good with a lots of excellent and easy recipe to make.
I will definitely try more of it !!!
Thanks you for wonderful sharing you are such a inspiration. …
Woohoo! So happy to hear it Hannah! . Your words mean so much to me. Can’t wait I see what you try next!