Banana bread is a timeless favorite, but this healthy, gluten-free version takes it to a whole new level. Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, it’s naturally sweetened, oil-free, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
The Star Ingredients and Their Benefits
Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are the natural sweeteners of this recipe. They’re loaded with potassium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-rich choice. Their natural sweetness allows us to reduce added sugars while keeping the bread moist and flavorful.
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: This dairy-free milk is low in calories and adds a subtle vanilla flavor without added sugars. It’s also a great source of vitamin E, which supports skin health.
Date Paste: Date paste is a fantastic natural sweetener made from whole dates. It’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Plus, it adds a caramel-like sweetness to the bread.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is used as a fat replacer, keeping the banana bread moist without the need for oil. It’s also a good source of natural pectin, which contributes to a tender crumb.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): ACV reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise, creating a light and fluffy texture. It’s also believed to support digestion and balance blood sugar levels.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness of the bananas and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Oat Flour: Made from ground oats, this gluten-free flour is rich in fiber and protein, making it a nutritious base for the banana bread. It also adds a hearty texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free and Oil-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or looking to reduce calorie-dense oils.
- Naturally Sweetened: The combination of ripe bananas, date paste, and applesauce provides natural sweetness without refined sugars.
- High in Nutrients: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, this banana bread is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze to whip up.
This healthy gluten-free banana bread is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Give it a try, and you’ll have a wholesome treat that’s perfect for any time of day!
Healthy Banana Bread(Plant Based, Oil Free)
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
Ingredients
- 2 ripe banana, mashed
- ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 5 tbsp date paste
- 2 tbsp apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or powder
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ cup tapioca or arrowroot flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp flax meal
- 1 tbsp ground chia seeds
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips(optional)
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350F. Prepare your pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease if pan is not non stick.
- In a large bowl, mash banana, almond milk, date paste, applesauce, vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar. Combine well.
- In a separate, whisk together the dry ingredients except walnuts and optional chocolate chips.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir to combined well. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips
- Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to complete cool on a wire rack.
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