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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. ๐ 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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can I leave the almond meal out?
I wouldnโt recommend it, as it will affect the consistency. Try subbing with the same amount of oat flour, minus 2 tablespoons. Happy baking!
Can you use almond flour instead of almond meal?
Hi Tiffany, yes, thatโll work! ๐ Youโll just get a lighter, fluffier resultโbut it should be very similar. Canโt wait to hear what you think!
Iโve never baked with almond meal before, so I didnโt have any on hand. Subbed extra oat flour, and instead of chocolate chips I used frozen wild blueberries and chopped walnuts. I also sliced a banana in half length wise and baked it into the top. I also add a tablespoon of ACV to help it rise because itโs a habit, haha. OH MY GOSH THIS IS THE BEST BANANA BREAD IVE EVER MADE. Iโm making my second batch now (in the oven) and Iโve doubled the recipe. You are a baking GODDESS, Demeter. I am a great cook but could never bake โ until I found your recipes! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your chocolate cake is also the only cake we ever make now. ๐ birthdays, special occasions? Demeterโs oat flour cake. ๐คค๐คค๐คค
(To clarifyโ I added a tablespoon of ACV to the DOUBLED batch not a regular batch)
You are too kind!!! Iโm seriously blushing right now, Kaci!! Truly, your words have given me renewed energy to head back into the kitchen again (and I literally just left it lol). Thank YOU so much for your kind wordsโthey mean the world to me. โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ Btw, Iโm totally drooling at the thought of this banana bread with wild blueberries and walnuts inside of it! Happy baking!! Canโt wait to see what you try next. Xoxo
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I WANTED TO MAKE SOMETHING WITH LITTLE PREPARATION AND THIS WAS IT. I WAS HOPING TO GIVE SOME TO MY NEIGHBORS AND THE GYM BUT…..I HAVE ALREADY EATEN HALF OF IT AND DECIDED I DO NOT WANT TO SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE. IF ANY IS LEFT OVER NEXT WEEK WHEN MY SON VISITS HE WILL BE LUCKY TO GET A PIECE. THIS IS DANGEROUSLY TOO GOOD, THE TEXTURE AND FLAVOR ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD. I LOVE A STRONG BANANA FLAVOR SO I USED 3 HUGE VERY RIPE BANANAS . LOOKS LIKE I’LL BE SKIPPING DINNER TONIGHT. I USED THE CINNAMON IN THE RECIPE AS WELL.
Yes! Yes! Yes!! Iโm so thrilled that you enjoyed my recipe, Lynn! ๐ You know what, forget the neighbors and the gymโthey can make their own! Lol! And good luck to your son! ๐ Dinner can waitโdesserts first, please. ๐ Happy baking & happy holidays to you! โค๏ธ
Hi
Can i make this bread just with whole wheat flour or All purpose flour. If so pl help me with the quantity.
Hi Barr! I havenโt tried it myself so I canโt say for sure, but Iโd say start with the same quantity of whole wheat or AP flour first and adjust from there. Let me know how it turns out!
I’ve made this multiple timesโ it’s sooo good! And I love that you use oat flour for your recipe.
I’m thinking of making this tonight but I only have 2 large bananas. Do you think it would still work?
Hi Mimi! So happy that youโve been enjoying the recipe! . Hm, that might workโIโd recommend measuring out the mashed bananas and see how close it is to 1 cup + 2 tablespoons. Let me know how it goes!
What can be substituted for the flax egg? Would a chia egg work or something else?
Hi Megan! Yep, a chia egg or regular egg should work fine. Happy baking!
Can I use all purpose gluten free flour (by Red Mills) instead of the oat flour? Itโs what Iโve got in my cupboard so Iโd love to use it! Thanks
Hi Andra! That should be fine. Let me know how it turns out! ๐
Just made this into mini loaves for my family! I’m severely lactose intolerant so I was looking for a good dairy-free banana loaf. The mini loaves turned out SO WELL! Nobody in my family EVER eats vegan things, and they all absolutely loved this dessert!! I topped it with some nice cream (just frozen bananas, splash of almond milk, and vanilla)! Thank you so much for all your amazing recipes!! I love that when I make your things, they taste amazing, yet I don’t feel stomach pains!! Thanks again.
-Abby
Hi Abby! Iโm so happy to hear all of this! Those mini loaves sound absolutely incredible (and so does that nice cream). You are so welcome! ๐ Thank you for letting me know how it turned out. Itโs so wonderful to hear that you can enjoy the foods you love without any pains! Xo, Demeter
I have never been so keen on banana bread until I tried this recipe! The name holds true to its form. In fact, my children and I just made this today and the loaf pan is already halfway devoured. And as a mother, I would like to give only the best, healthiest version of treats sans sugar overload. Or at least I try to. Given that I have tried a few of your recipes, your site is now a desktop icon and always a go-to when it comes to baked and no-bake goodies.
Thank you, Demeter. You’re a gem and we love your work!
-Wander
@my_wander_wall
Iโm beyond pleased that not only you, but also your family, enjoyed my recipe. ๐ As a daughter of a mom with health issues, Iโm right there with youโI only feel good making healthy (and delicious!) treats for my mom. Iโm honored to have my site on your desktop. . Thank you so much, Wander, for your kind words. Happy baking to you and your wonderful family.
Hello, can I use an egg instead of the flax egg?
Thanks!
Hi Evie! Yep, that would work fine. Happy baking! ๐
So delicious! I made the recipe into muffins and saved some in the fridge to take on a road trip at the end of the week – still delicious and moist!
Woohoo! Iโm so happy to hear it G! These are a wonderful travel snack for sure. ๐