Irresistible Vegan Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Your New Favorite One-Bowl Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this wholesome vegan and gluten-free double chocolate banana bread, crafted with nourishing almond flour, hearty oats, naturally sweet ripe bananas, creamy tahini, and decadent dark chocolate. A truly perfect treat for cozy weekend baking or any day you crave something special and healthy!

In these unique and often challenging times, finding small moments of comfort and normalcy has become more important than ever. I recently found myself reflecting on this during a weekly Zoom catch-up with my wonderful yoga friends. When asked how I was doing being home alone, I paused, carefully considering, then genuinely replied, “I’m OK.” And I truly meant it.

It’s quite fascinating and profoundly amazing how adaptable we humans are, how we can grow and adjust to even the most unexpected curveballs the universe throws our way. I’ve definitely settled into this new normal, establishing a quarantine routine that is heavy on invigorating walks, productive work sessions, and cherished virtual connections with loved ones.

I feel incredibly lucky that I can keep Flora & Vino running, allowing me to continue sharing delicious, wholesome eats with you, even amidst these unprecedented times. My hope is that these recipes bring a little joy, comfort, and deliciousness into your home, helping us all create some wonderful stay-at-home memories together through the simple act of baking.

And speaking of comfort, the word on the street is that banana bread recipes are currently among the most highly-googled. There’s a good reason for this surge in popularity! Banana bread is not only incredibly satisfying and nostalgic, but it also provides a perfect way to utilize those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. This particular recipe for Vegan Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Banana Bread takes that comforting classic and elevates it to a new level of deliciousness and health. It’s not just rich and decadent; it’s also entirely gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a truly wholesome indulgence for any time of day.

What makes it even better is its remarkable simplicity! This delightful loaf comes together effortlessly in just one bowl, requiring only a standard loaf pan. You’ll need plenty of those perfectly spotty (or even black!), ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, and, of course, a generous amount of rich, high-quality dark chocolate to make it truly irresistible. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

The Indispensable Role of Ripe Bananas in Banana Bread

A frequent question I encounter when discussing banana bread is: how ripe is *too* ripe? When it comes to baking, especially for a recipe like this Double Chocolate Banana Bread, you truly cannot have bananas that are too ripe. The bananas I used for this particular loaf were on the verge of being completely black, and they resulted in an extraordinarily moist, flavorful, and naturally sweet bread. The darker and mushier your bananas are, the better!

During periods of less frequent grocery shopping, I’ve mastered the art of ingredient management. I prioritize using fresh leafy greens and other produce immediately, allowing my banana bunches to ripen at their own pace on my granite countertops. While this sometimes feels like a balancing act for blog content scheduling, it’s a blessing when it comes to banana bread. These incredibly mushy, dark bananas are absolutely ideal for mixing into batter. They offer unparalleled natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars, and contribute significantly to the bread’s moist, tender crumb – a texture that less ripe bananas simply cannot provide. Just remember, as long as there’s no “funky” smell, you’re good to go. Simply peel, mash, and prepare for deliciousness!

The Inspiration Behind This Decadent Double Chocolate Loaf

It’s certainly been a moment since I last whipped up a batch of banana bread. In fact, I must confess, I haven’t done much baking at all recently – a true shame! My kitchen endeavors have leaned more towards crafting various DIY soups and assembling eclectic frozen food meals, leaving my beloved oven feeling a little neglected. However, the undeniable craving for a comforting, homemade baked good eventually struck, and I knew exactly what needed to happen.

This exquisite Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe is loosely adapted from my hugely popular Vegan & Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread. For this upgraded version, my primary goal was to truly amplify the chocolate experience. We’re not just adding chocolate chunks; we’re going for a full-on “double chocolate” effect! This means generously incorporating raw cacao powder directly into the batter, which infuses the entire loaf with a deep, rich, and intensely chocolatey foundation. This robust chocolate base is then beautifully complemented by an abundance of chopped dark chocolate folded throughout, creating delightful pockets of melted goodness in every bite.

For a unique and effortlessly creamy, oil-free twist, I opted to use runny tahini. This versatile Middle Eastern sesame paste isn’t just a healthy fat source; it adds an incredible richness and a subtle, earthy nuttiness that perfectly harmonizes with the sweet bananas and dark chocolate. It also contributes significantly to the bread’s wonderfully moist and tender texture, eliminating the need for any added oils. If tahini isn’t a staple in your pantry, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with any other runny nut or seed butter you prefer, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative. The key is to use a “runny” variety to ensure the right consistency in your batter and a moist result.

What You Need to Bake This Double Chocolate Dream

Creating this irresistible vegan and gluten-free Double Chocolate Banana Bread relies on a thoughtful selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Ground Flaxseed: This is essential for creating our “flax egg.” When mixed with water, ground flaxseed forms a gel-like consistency that acts as a powerful binder, replacing traditional eggs in this vegan recipe. It also provides a bonus of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Super-Ripe Bananas: The absolute cornerstone of any great banana bread! As emphasized, the riper your bananas, the sweeter and more intensely flavored your bread will be. They are the primary source of natural sweetness and crucial moisture.
• Unrefined Coconut Sugar: We use this natural sweetener to provide just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the bananas. It offers a subtle caramel-like flavor, a delicious alternative to refined white sugars.
• Runny Tahini: Our star ingredient for an oil-free, incredibly rich, and moist crumb. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, imparts a delicate nutty flavor and contributes healthy fats and a velvety texture to the loaf.
• Cacao Powder: This is the secret to our “double chocolate” claim. Raw cacao powder delivers a deep, robust chocolate flavor and is rich in antioxidants, making this bread a truly wholesome treat.
• Super-Fine Almond Flour: A fantastic gluten-free flour alternative that contributes to a remarkably tender, light crumb. It’s also a good source of protein and healthy fats, adding to the bread’s nutritional profile.
• Gluten-Free Oat Flour: This adds a lovely wholesome depth and structure to the bread. It’s easy to make your own by simply processing certified gluten-free rolled oats in a blender or food processor until a fine flour forms.
• Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, ensuring that your banana bread rises beautifully and achieves a light, airy texture.
• Hu Kitchen Simple Dark Chocolate: My personal favorite for its exceptional quality and ethical sourcing. These bars are entirely vegan, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and most importantly, free from refined sugars, providing pure, rich chocolate goodness without compromise.

With these wholesome ingredients, you’re well-equipped to bake a truly extraordinary Double Chocolate Banana Bread that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Double Chocolate Banana Bread

The beauty of this Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Everything comes together in a single bowl, making for minimal cleanup and a truly enjoyable baking experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to achieve baking perfection:

1. Prepare Your Baking Environment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This creates convenient “handles” that will make lifting the baked loaf out of the pan incredibly easy, ensuring a smooth transfer to a cooling rack.
2. Create the Flax Egg & Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed meal with filtered water. Give it a quick whisk to integrate, then add your super-ripe bananas directly into the same bowl. Mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork until they are mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps if you desire a bit of texture in your finished bread. Allow this mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the flaxseed to absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency, activating its binding properties.
3. Whisk in Wet Ingredients: Once the flax-banana mixture has gelled, add the unrefined coconut sugar and runny tahini to the bowl. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture appears smooth and consistent. Next, sift in the raw cacao powder and mix again until it is fully incorporated, ensuring no dry pockets remain and the batter has a uniform, rich chocolate color.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the flours and leavening agent. Sift in the super-fine almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, and baking powder. Sifting is an important step as it helps to aerate the flours, prevents lumps, and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher crumb. The goal is to mix until no streaks of dry flour are visible.
5. Assess Batter Consistency: It’s important to note that the batter for this vegan gluten-free banana bread should be quite thick and scoopable – not liquid or pourable. This dense consistency is what contributes to the incredibly moist and satisfying texture of the finished loaf. If, by any chance, your batter appears too thick (which is unlikely with ripe bananas and runny tahini), you may add a tiny splash (1-2 tablespoons) of your preferred plant-based milk, but generally, this won’t be necessary.
6. Fold in the Dark Chocolate: Gently fold in half of your chopped dark chocolate into the batter. These chocolate chunks will melt beautifully during baking, creating gooey, decadent pockets throughout the bread.
7. Prepare for Baking: Spoon the rich, thick batter into your parchment-lined loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining chopped dark chocolate over the top of the batter. This not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also ensures a delightful chocolatey crunch in every slice.

Remember, making your own oat flour is incredibly simple: just process old-fashioned gluten-free oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until they achieve a fine, flour-like consistency. This is a handy tip if you don’t have oat flour readily available!

The Best Dark Chocolate for an Unforgettable Flavor

When it comes to crafting a truly exceptional Double Chocolate Banana Bread, the quality of your dark chocolate is paramount. For this recipe, I enthusiastically recommend using Hu Kitchen Simple Dark Chocolate Bars. I typically chop up two full bars to ensure every single bite of the banana bread is infused with that rich, intense chocolate flavor and delightful texture.

What makes Hu Kitchen chocolate my top choice? It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s also about the commitment to wholesome, clean ingredients that align perfectly with our recipe’s goals. These chocolate bars are completely vegan, making them ideal for plant-based diets, paleo-friendly, certified gluten-free, and most importantly, free from any refined sugars. This means you’re getting pure, unadulterated chocolate goodness, devoid of unwanted additives or artificial ingredients. The simple, high-quality cacao used in their bars truly shines through, elevating the entire loaf from good to absolutely extraordinary.

Don’t be shy with your chocolate! A good rule of thumb is to add one full chopped bar directly into the batter; this will create those wonderful, melted, gooey pockets of chocolate that make banana bread so irresistible. Then, generously sprinkle the other chopped bar over the top of the batter just before it goes into the oven. This creates a beautiful, crusty layer of baked chocolate on top. If you consider yourself a serious chocoholic, feel free to toss in a little extra – because, let’s be honest, staying at home and enjoying a freshly baked treat certainly deserves an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence!

Baking to Perfection: How to Know When Your Loaf is Truly Done

Achieving that perfectly baked, moist, and tender slice of Double Chocolate Banana Bread hinges on proper baking and, perhaps even more importantly, patient cooling. To ensure effortless removal and minimal mess, I always recommend lining your loaf pan with parchment paper. Remember to leave an overhang on the sides; these will serve as convenient “handles” for gently lifting the entire loaf out of the pan once it’s baked, making for a seamless transfer to a cooling rack.

Once you’ve loaded your batter into the prepared pan with enough chocolate to satisfy even the most ardent sweet tooth, carefully place the loaf pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Keep in mind that every oven can vary slightly in temperature and cooking efficiency, so it’s always a wise practice to start checking your bread around the 45-minute mark. Look for visual cues: the edges should appear slightly browned, and the top of the loaf should look firm and set.

The most reliable and foolproof method to confirm if your banana bread is perfectly baked through is the classic toothpick test. Gently insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, your bread is done! If it comes out with wet crumbs or liquid batter, simply return the loaf to the oven and continue baking in 5-minute increments, checking each time, until the toothpick emerges clean. Be vigilant not to overbake, as this can unfortunately lead to a dry and crumbly loaf.

Once your bread is out of the oven, the hardest part of the process begins: waiting! It is absolutely crucial to allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for at least 30-60 minutes before you even think about slicing it. This cooling period allows the internal structure of the bread to set properly. You can then gently lift the loaf from the pan by pulling on the parchment paper handles and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling entirely. Patience here truly pays off, as attempting to slice warm banana bread often results in crumbling and falling apart, detracting from its beautiful presentation and texture. A fully cooled loaf will slice cleanly and hold its gorgeous, decadent shape.

Delicious Serving Suggestions & Smart Storage Tips

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, making it suitable for any meal or snack! It functions beautifully as a decadent yet surprisingly healthy breakfast to start your day, a satisfying mid-afternoon snack, or a delightful, wholesome dessert. Each rich, chocolatey slice tastes remarkably like an indulgent banana brownie, but it comes packed with beneficial nutrients: healthy fats from the almond flour and tahini, complex carbohydrates from the oats and bananas for sustained energy, and a good boost of plant-based protein.

My absolute favorite way to savor a slice is to warm it slightly, just enough to get the chocolate gooey, and then generously smear it with a dollop of creamy nut butter. As pictured here, I’ve used a luscious roasted almond butter, which truly elevates the flavors with its rich, nutty profile. Pair it with a tall glass of your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, for a truly comforting and complete experience. For an added layer of texture and delightful crunch, consider folding in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking – they complement the chocolate and banana beautifully.

Optimal Storage for Maximum Freshness:

• Refrigerator Storage: To maintain its optimal freshness and moist texture, store any leftover Double Chocolate Banana Bread in an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to one week, ready for you to enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
• Freezer for Long-Term Enjoyment: This banana bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping or simply having a delicious treat on hand. Once the loaf has completely cooled, you can either wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap them again in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection. Place the well-wrapped bread into a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw individual slices at room temperature, or gently warm them in the microwave or oven for a “freshly baked” experience.

Happy baking, and may you enjoy every single, decadent chocolatey bite of this wholesome banana bread!

More Vegan & Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipes to Explore

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Double Chocolate Banana Bread, you’re in for a continuous treat! Here are more fantastic vegan and gluten-free banana bread variations from Flora & Vino that I’m sure you’ll love adding to your baking repertoire:

• Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread

• Strawberry Banana Bread

• Black Sesame Butter Banana Bread

• Blueberry Banana Breakfast Bread

• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread

• Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies

• Peanut Butter Banana Bread Swirl Muffins

Beyond Banana Bread: Discover More Vegan Bread Recipes

And if your culinary curiosity extends beyond the wonderful world of banana bread, here are some other incredible vegan bread recipes from Flora & Vino that are worth exploring:

• 1-Bowl Orange Cranberry Bread

• 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread

• 1-Bowl Tahini Date Nut Bread

• Pumpkin Spice Bread

Share Your Delicious Creations!

If you decide to make this delightful Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and truly inspires me to create even more delicious and wholesome content for you. Please be sure to leave a comment below, along with a star rating and review, to share your thoughts and help others discover this recipe.

Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram! Tag #floraandvino to show me your beautiful creations – I absolutely adore seeing what you bake. You can also visit my Pinterest page to discover and pin many more amazing plant-based recipes like this one for your future baking adventures and meal planning.

Want to stay consistently updated with all the latest recipes, healthy eating tips, and plant-based inspiration from Flora & Vino? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter to get all the delicious updates delivered straight to your inbox! It’s the best way to ensure you never miss a new recipe.

XO Lauren

Print

This post is brought to you by Hu Kitchen, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!