The comforting aroma of banana bread is enough to make anyone feel at home and this vegan, gluten-free version is a healthier twist on the nostalgic classic. With almond flour for moisture and oat flour for structure, each slice is tender, golden, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup. This recipe is as easy as it is wholesome, requiring only a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast slice, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable with add-ins like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
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1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups almond flour
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1/2 cup oat flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, maple syrup, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
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Add almond flour, oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until just combined.
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Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Moist Vegan Banana Bread with Maple and Almond Flour
Banana bread is one of those universally loved comfort foods that never goes out of style. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of tea, sliced for a quick breakfast, or served as a wholesome dessert, banana bread offers the kind of nostalgic, homey flavor that appeals to everyone. But in today’s health-conscious world, the traditional banana bread often loaded with butter, sugar, and refined flour may not align with the needs of people following vegan, gluten-free, or clean-eating diets.
This Moist Vegan Banana Bread with Maple and Almond Flour is a modern twist on the beloved classic. It manages to be wonderfully moist, perfectly sweet, and full of rich banana flavor, while being 100% vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened. It’s the kind of recipe that proves healthy alternatives can taste just as good if not better than the original.
Why This Banana Bread Recipe Stands Out
There are thousands of banana bread recipes out there, but what makes this one truly exceptional is its commitment to clean, nourishing ingredients without compromising on taste or texture.
The use of almond flour brings a soft, tender crumb while adding a dose of healthy fats and protein. Oat flour contributes to the structure, ensuring the bread holds its shape beautifully. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, replaces processed sugar to deliver gentle, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the bananas’ flavor rather than overpowering it.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just one mixing bowl and a loaf pan, you can whip up a bakery-quality loaf in under an hour. No need for eggs, butter, or complicated substitutions just a few wholesome pantry staples come together to create something incredibly satisfying.
The Health Benefits of This Vegan Banana Bread
While indulgent in taste, this banana bread is built around health-forward ingredients. Here’s why it’s a better-for-you option than conventional recipes:
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Gluten-Free Friendly: Using almond flour and oat flour makes this bread safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, while still providing the lightness and structure people love in a traditional loaf.
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Vegan and Dairy-Free: Free from eggs and dairy, this recipe is ideal for vegans or anyone with dairy allergies. It uses plant-based fats and non-dairy milk to achieve the same richness as classic banana bread.
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Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup serves as the sole sweetener, avoiding processed sugar while offering trace minerals and antioxidants. Ripe bananas also contribute natural sugars and potassium.
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Nutrient-Dense: Almond flour is rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein. Oat flour adds fiber and a mild nuttiness. Together, they turn this into a nutrient-packed snack or breakfast option.
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No Refined Oils or Additives: By using coconut oil and whole food ingredients, this recipe avoids highly processed elements often found in baked goods.
Customization Options for Every Preference
Another reason this banana bread is such a hit is its versatility. The base recipe is perfect on its own, but it also allows for endless customization based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
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Add Crunch: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add texture and a healthy dose of omega-3s.
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Sweeten It Up: For dessert lovers, folding in dark chocolate chips or vegan white chocolate adds a rich, melty twist.
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Make It Fruity: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for natural sweetness and chewiness.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even ginger gives the loaf a warming spice profile perfect for autumn.
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Go Tropical: Coconut flakes, pineapple chunks, or macadamia nuts give a sunny, tropical twist to this banana loaf.
Whether you’re baking for a group with dietary restrictions or just want a healthier treat for yourself, this banana bread is adaptable to just about any occasion.
Storage and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about this vegan banana bread is how well it stores. It holds up beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead option for meal preppers or busy families.
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Room Temperature: Keep the bread wrapped tightly or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerated: Store for up to 1 week to maintain moisture and freshness.
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Freezer-Friendly: Slice and freeze individual pieces for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Reheat in a toaster or microwave and enjoy it warm!
Pro tip: Toasting a slice and spreading it with almond butter or coconut yogurt can elevate it to an entirely new level.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This banana bread can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
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Breakfast: Serve a slice with your favorite nut butter and a hot latte or herbal tea.
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Brunch: Plate it alongside fresh berries, a chia pudding, or scrambled tofu for a vibrant plant-based brunch.
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Dessert: Warm it up and add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce.
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Snack: Simply enjoy a slice with a glass of almond milk or matcha for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
It’s also great for potlucks, bake sales, or packed in lunchboxes a truly crowd-pleasing recipe that both kids and adults will love.
Sustainability and Ethical Ingredients
In addition to being good for your body, this banana bread is gentle on the planet. By choosing plant-based ingredients, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and supporting ethical farming practices. Using bananas that are overly ripe the kind often tossed out also helps reduce food waste in your kitchen.
The use of coconut oil and maple syrup, when sourced sustainably, supports fair trade practices and limits environmental harm. Opting for certified organic and ethically sourced ingredients takes the positive impact of this recipe even further.
A Feel-Good Baking Experience
One of the underrated joys of this recipe is the experience of making it. From mashing the bananas to pouring the batter and watching it rise in the oven, the entire process is grounding and satisfying. The sweet aroma that fills the kitchen is reason enough to make it again and again.
This banana bread is especially ideal for beginner bakers or those new to vegan baking. It’s forgiving, fuss-free, and yields a result that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
Conclusion:
In a world of quick fixes and processed snacks, finding a recipe that is as nourishing as it is indulgent feels like a rare win. This Moist Vegan Banana Bread with Maple and Almond Flour checks every box it’s wholesome, accessible, customizable, and above all, incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re looking to clean up your diet, accommodate food sensitivities, or simply enjoy a more health-conscious treat, this banana bread is a recipe worth adding to your permanent collection. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need eggs, gluten, or refined sugar to create something truly comforting.