Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread is not just a delightful treat; its a wholesome experience that brings together the rich flavors of ripe bananas and the nutty crunch of chia seeds. As someone who has always cherished the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, I can assure you that this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. The history of banana bread dates back to the Great Depression, when resourceful bakers sought to minimize waste by using overripe bananas. Today, it has evolved into a beloved staple in many households, especially among those seeking healthier alternatives.
What makes Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread so irresistible is its perfect balance of moistness and texture, combined with the nutritional benefits of chia seeds. This bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile; it can be enjoyed as a breakfast option, a snack, or even a dessert. People love this dish for its natural sweetness, which comes from the bananas, and the added crunch from the chia seeds, making each bite a delightful experience. Join me as we dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will surely please both vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Preparing the Batter
Lets get started on our delicious vegan chia seed banana bread! First, we need to prepare our wet ingredients. This is a crucial step because it sets the foundation for the moistness of our bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth. I like to leave a few small chunks for added texture, but thats totally up to you!
- Add the unsweetened applesauce to the mashed bananas. This will help keep our bread moist and add a hint of sweetness.
- Next, pour in the maple syrup and almond milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Now, lets add the chia seeds and ground flaxseed. These ingredients not only provide a great source of omega-3 fatty acids but also act as a binding agent in our vegan recipe. Mix them in thoroughly.
- Finally, add the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor. Give the mixture one last good stir until everything is well incorporated.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now that our wet ingredients are ready, its time to mix in the dry ingredients. This is where well add the flour and the leavening agents.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Once the dry ingredients are mixed, gradually add them to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, folding the flour in gently with a spatula. This helps to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- If youre using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage. I love the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of dark chocolate in my banana bread!
Preparing the Baking Pan
Before we bake our banana bread, we need to prepare our baking pan. This step is essential to ensure that our bread doesnt stick.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking our bread evenly.
- While the oven is heating, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. If youre using parchment paper, make sure to leave some overhang so you can easily lift the bread out later.
Baking the Banana Bread
Now comes the exciting partbaking our banana bread! The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. I recommend checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. You can do this by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, its ready!
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove.
- After 10 minutes, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions

Conclusion:
In summary, this Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously moist and flavorful treat without compromising on health. The combination of ripe bananas and chia seeds not only creates a delightful texture but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option. Plus, its incredibly easy to whip up, so you can enjoy homemade goodness in no time! For serving suggestions, I love to enjoy a warm slice straight from the oven, perhaps with a smear of almond butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also get creative with variationstry adding in some chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread a try and experience the joy of baking something wholesome and delicious. Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Lets spread the love for this delightful recipe together! Happy baking! Print
Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread: A Deliciously Healthy Recipe to Try
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
This Vegan Chia Seed Banana Bread is a moist and nutritious treat made with ripe bananas, applesauce, and maple syrup. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack and can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips. Enjoy it fresh or store it for later!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture if desired.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Pour in the maple syrup and almond milk, stirring until combined.
- Add the chia seeds and ground flaxseed, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, folding gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark with a toothpick.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This banana bread can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze slices for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Leave a Comment