Imagine starting your day with a slice of fluffy, wholesome oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread that’s not only delicious but also perfectly aligned with a health-conscious lifestyle. This vegan and gluten-free treat, with options to make it nut-free, is ideal for busy mornings or as a nutritious snack throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This banana bread is packed with the goodness of oats, bananas, and chocolate chips, offering a great balance of sweetness and texture. It’s super easy to grab and go, making it perfect for those hectic mornings or when you need a quick and satisfying snack.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a healthy treat for school lunches. It’s also perfect for health-focused meetings or workshops, where attendees might appreciate a thoughtful, dietary restriction-friendly option.
Decoration Tips:
For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with a mix of oats and a few extra chocolate chips before baking. After baking, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar (ensure it’s gluten-free) can make these loaves even more enticing.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper or grease a mini loaf pan well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine 3 large mashed bananas, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/3 cup of your choice of nut or seed butter (such as sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option), 1/3 cup coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup non-dairy milk. Stir until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Mix in 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free oat flour (you can make this by blending gluten-free oats until fine), 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. For mini loaves, divide the batter evenly among the compartments of the mini loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour for a full loaf or about 20 minutes for mini loaves, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 20-25 minutes before removing. Slice into approximately 8-9 pieces.
- Enjoy this delightful banana bread warm or at room temperature.
This healthy oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread is sure to become a new favorite, offering a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious treat any time of the day!
