Description
This Healthy Banana Bread recipe is a sugar-free, gluten-free treat perfect for those seeking a wholesome and delicious snack. Made with ripe bananas, gluten-free and oat flours, ground nuts or seeds, and naturally sweetened with dates, this bread is moist, flavorful, and ideal for a health-conscious lifestyle. It’s easy to prepare, dairy-free, and optionally includes chopped sugar-free chocolate for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (100 g) gluten-free flour blend (50% buckwheat, 50% rice flour or your choice)
- 1 cup (90 g) oat flour (gluten-free if needed)
- ⅝ cup (70 g) ground seeds or nuts of choice
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 small ripe bananas (240 g without peel), plus 1 banana for topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- ½ cup (100 g) chopped dates
- ⅔ cup (160 g) plant-based milk
- Optional: 3 tbsp chopped dairy-free sugar-free chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oat flour, ground seeds or nuts, baking powder, and salt. Mix these thoroughly with a spoon to distribute the leavening evenly.
- Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the 3 bananas very well with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add vanilla extract, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped dates, and plant-based milk. Stir well to fully integrate the flavors and dissolve some sweetness from the dates.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined and no large dry patches remain.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, slice and arrange the extra banana on top, then sprinkle the chopped dairy-free chocolate evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out dry or with slight crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice and serve. Optionally enjoy with vegan chocolate spread for extra indulgence.
Notes
- The gluten-free flour can be a blend of buckwheat and rice flour or an all-purpose gluten-free flour. Regular flour may also be used if gluten is not a concern.
- Using ripe bananas is essential for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Chopped dates act as the natural sweetener, eliminating the need for added sugars.
- Plant-based milk can be almond, soy, oat, or any milk alternative of your choice.
- For extra chocolate flavor, use sugar-free dairy-free chocolate, but this is optional.
