There’s something magical about Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread that makes it one of my all-time favorites. The first time I baked it, I used ripe bananas from my over-zealous purchases, and the result was incredibly moist, soft, and delicious.
What makes this recipe truly special is how quick, easy, and simple it is to make. You only need 1 bowl — yes, it’s a one-bowl wonder and just FIVE whole bananas to create the ultimate banana flavor. The vegan, chocolatey mix of maple syrup and bananas works together beautifully to sweeten this incredible treat.
Each slice was studded with chocolate chips, giving it a sweet, banana-flavored charm that everyone in my home loved. It’s the kind of perfect dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome, one that can easily become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is incredibly soft, moist, and flavorful. The rich, sweet taste of chocolate chips with the natural creaminess of ripe bananas makes every slice delicious and comforting.
- The recipe uses applesauce to replace oil, keeping it completely OIL FREE while still perfectly tender. A touch of vanilla and cinnamon adds warmth, giving this banana bread a bakery-style flavour you’ll love.
- It’s plant based, dairy free, egg free, and nut free, making it a great allergen free choice for everyone. With only 11 ingredients and one bowl, it’s simple to make, quick, and easy to clean up.
- In just 10 minutes, you can mix and bake this foolproof recipe. It’s so perfect that even my kids help me make it, and it’s always devoured fast. With FIVE whole bananas, you get the ultimate banana flavour in every bite.
Variations & Substitutions
- Even with the best vegan chocolate chip banana bread recipe, sometimes it’s fun to experiment. You can make mini chocolate chip banana bread using mini pans, which creates 2–3 mini loaves that bake faster than a full-size loaf. Just check at 25 minutes with a toothpick for doneness.
- If you want to boost the chocolatey flavor, you can add more vegan chocolate chips, up to ½ cup. Another option is a chocolate chip banana nut bread by mixing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a little extra crunch.
- For a creamy finish, you can sprinkle chocolate chips on top or add a smooth layer of vegan chocolate chips frosting. This gives the bread a rich, indulgent texture that’s amazing for special occasions.
- If you don’t have chocolate chips, vegan chocolate chunks or a vegan chocolate bar can be chopped into small pieces and used instead. For those who want gluten-free options, substitute oat flour for whole wheat or grind your own gluten-free oats in a blender or food processor to get the right flour consistency.
- For a completely oil-free loaf, replace coconut with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use soy-free plant milk, such as almond or cashew milk, to keep the bread moist and flavorful while staying vegan and oil-free.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F and spray, grease, or line a 4.5 x 8.5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Ensure the bottom and sides are well prepared, making two cuts on each side for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the banana and mash until smooth. Measure or weigh to ensure the correct amount.
- Add brown sugar, melted coconut oil, oat milk, and vanilla, then whisk until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
- Gently fold in vegan chocolate chips, saving some to sprinkle on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan. Smooth the top with a silicone spatula and gently tap the pan on a flat surface to remove any gaps.
- Bake in the middle rack for 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean.
- Let the bread cool on a wire cooling rack for 2 hours before cutting into 8 slices.
- Store the loaf in the pan it was cooked in, covered with plastic wrap on the counter for 3–4 days.
- Serve your plant-based banana bread as breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, and enjoy the perfect, tasty, vegan chocolate chip banana bread every time.
