Name: Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 very ripe bananas, mashed; 3 cups organic all-purpose flour; ½ cup pure maple syrup; 2 tsps baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 tsps ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of sea salt; ½-3/4 cup Almond milk; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup coconut oil, melted; ½-1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

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If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts comfort and chocolate-laced joy, look no further: Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] is about to become your new go-to delight. This banana bread is irresistibly moist, bursting with gooey pockets of semi-sweet chocolate, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. Every bite wraps you in cozy banana flavor, subtle, warm spices, and the perfect balance of tender crumb and melty chocolate. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a snack, or dessert, Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] will keep everyone coming back for just one more slice.

Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] is just how surprisingly simple the shopping list is. Each ingredient brings something special—sweetness, aroma, a lovely rise, or that mouthwatering melt-in-your-mouth texture—so don’t skip a thing!

Bananas: Make sure they’re very ripe, with plenty of brown speckles, for unbeatable sweetness and a tender, moist crumb.
Organic all-purpose flour: This makes the bread fluffy and soft—swap for gluten-free if you need a wheat-free loaf.
Pure maple syrup: The heart and soul of this recipe, adding nuanced caramel notes and natural sweetness.
Baking powder and baking soda: This dynamic duo gives your banana bread its lovely rise, so it’s light instead of dense.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warming spices turn your kitchen into an aromatic haven and add cozy depth to every bite.
Pinch of sea salt: Just a dash sharpens all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Almond milk (or any plant-based milk): Adds moisture and creates the lush vegan “buttermilk” that works wonders for texture.
Apple cider vinegar: A secret trick to activate your “buttermilk,” making the loaf super tender.
Vanilla extract: Enriches the overall flavor with sweet, floral notes that tie everything together.
Coconut oil, melted: Keeps the loaf incredibly moist and tastes subtly tropical—swap for your favorite vegan fat if you like.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Be sure they’re vegan-friendly—these become irresistible melty pockets throughout the bread!

How to Make Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan]

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan “Buttermilk”

Start by whisking together your plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Let it sit for five to ten minutes so it has time to “activate”—you’ll notice it thickens a bit, creating the perfect dairy-free buttermilk base for a tender, fluffy loaf.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then lightly grease a loaf pan with vegan butter or coconut oil for easy removal. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over—this makes pulling out the finished Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] a total breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your “buttermilk” mixture. Whisk together until everything is beautifully blended—this fragrant, golden base is where the flavor magic begins!

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, gently add your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt right into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together. Be careful not to over-mix—this is key for keeping your Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] light, soft, and never dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate

Reserve a little bit of your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for topping, and fold the rest into the batter. This way, every slice gets its fair share of gooey chocolate!

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Add the Topping

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate evenly over the top. Arrange them neatly, if you wish, for a beautiful presentation—this step makes your Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] even more tempting.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Pro tip: Around the halfway point, poke tiny holes across the bread’s top to help heat reach the center, ensuring an evenly baked loaf. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 25 to 30 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment paper, then allow to cool completely for perfect slicing.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!

Once your Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] is cooled, slice it up and dive in. Each bite is a cozy hug of banana, maple, chocolate, and spices—pure, delicious comfort!

How to Serve Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan]

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of vegan whipped cream, or a light drizzle of warm maple syrup. If you want to get extra fancy, a few sliced bananas or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top add gorgeous visual flair.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a steamy mug of coffee, chai, or spiced hot chocolate. For brunch spreads, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a creamy coconut yogurt parfait to balance the sweet, decadent notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, cut the Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] into cubes and layer with coconut yogurt and berries for a showstopping parfait. Or, toast thick slices and top with almond butter and extra chocolate chips for a fancy, nourishing breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftover bread tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator, but let’s be real—it’ll probably disappear faster than that!

Freezing

Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in aluminum foil, then pop into a zip-top bag. Squeeze as much air out as possible before freezing for up to three months—just remember to thaw before serving!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm slices for a few seconds in the microwave or toast lightly in your toaster oven. The chocolate gets melty all over again, and the bread turns perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture may vary a bit, but you’ll still get a fabulous, tender loaf that highlights all the best features of Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan].

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

If coconut oil isn’t your jam, melted vegan butter, light vegetable oil, or even olive oil work well. Each brings its own subtle nuance to the bread, so feel free to use whatever you love most.

Do I have to use maple syrup?

Maple syrup is a star ingredient, but you can swap in other liquid sweeteners like agave or date syrup, or use organic brown sugar for a richer flavor. Just remember that each substitute slightly changes the taste and moisture.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Thaw and drain any excess liquid from your frozen bananas to prevent watery batter. They mash easily and taste just as wonderful in your Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan].

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean (a little melted chocolate is fine), you’re good to go. Don’t forget the pro tip of poking tiny holes halfway through baking for even doneness!

Final Thoughts

Whip up a loaf of Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread [Vegan] and see just how fun and flavorful plant-based baking can be. This recipe delivers on moistness, chocolate delight, and cozy maple sweetness, all in one simple package. Grab your ripe bananas and get baking—you won’t regret it!