Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, giving it a rich flavor without being overly sugary. The addition of chocolate chips makes it extra indulgent while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly. It’s the perfect combination of moist, flavorful bread and decadent chocolate chips, making it the ultimate comfort food for any time of day!

Ingredients

For the Bread:

4 very ripe bananas, mashed
3 cups organic all-purpose flour (See Notes)
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of sea salt
½ to ¾ cup almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
½ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (ensure it’s vegan-friendly)

Directions

Make the Banana Bread:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Combine the wet ingredients: Add the maple syrup, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add chocolate chips: Fold in the vegan chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, reserving a small handful for sprinkling on top of the loaf before baking (optional).
Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, if desired.
Bake the bread: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (with just a few crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8-10 slices.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55-65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Add a handful of walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger to customize the flavor.
Vegan caramel: Swirl in some homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates would complement the flavors well.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Notes

Flour options: You can substitute up to 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber or use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: This banana bread freezes well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use brown sugar, but maple syrup gives a more distinct flavor. If you substitute, use ½ cup of brown sugar.

Can I make this banana bread without coconut oil?

Yes, you can replace coconut oil with another plant-based oil like vegetable or canola oil, or even applesauce for a lower-fat version.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar adds moisture and helps activate the baking soda. You can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them before mashing and proceed with the recipe.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet banana bread, you can leave out the chocolate chips or replace them with nuts or dried fruit.

Conclusion

This Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] is a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the rich flavor of maple syrup with indulgent chocolate chips. Whether you’re vegan or not, this banana bread will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds happy! It’s the perfect snack or dessert for any time of day.

Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan]