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    Home » Recipes » Baking & Desserts

    Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Published: Sep 12, 2021 · Modified: Sep 16, 2022 · by Tracy Halasz · 32 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This peanut butter chocolate chip vegan banana bread is a banana bread lovers dream come true. It has an incredibly tender, moist, crumb and a gorgeous golden crust. Each bite is bursting with banana and chocolate flavors, a kiss of peanut butter, and crunchy walnuts. It's the best dang banana bread recipe ever! Gluten free version too!

    Loaf of vegan banana bread with a slice cut off smeared with peanut butter.

    Sometimes I've got only 1 ripe banana and when that happens, I make these small batch vegan banana nut muffins - only 1 bowl and 30 minutes!

    Why Everyone Loves this Banana Bread

    I know there are a lot of banana bread recipes out there (especially recently), but this vegan banana bread has a couple things that make it THE BEST!

    • easy to make - only one-bowl and a few simple ingredients
    • perfect texture - super tender and moist but substantial crumb with an amazing crust
    • incredible flavor - sweet banana with a hint of nuttiness and flecks of chocolate
    • crowd pleaser - EVERYONE loves this banana bread - vegan or not!
    • versatile - gluten free, chocolate free, nut free and egg free banana bread options
    • reliable recipe - turns out perfect every. single. time
    • simple recipe - for newly vegan eaters and easy recipe for beginner cooks

    Ingredient Review

    Vegan baking is a little trickier than vegan cooking mostly because of science, but also because typically a few ingredients are being replaced which can affect texture and flavor. This vegan banana bread is made without eggs or dairy which impacts both flavor and texture, but you won't miss either in this recipe!

    Peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread ingredients in measuring cups and spoons on a baking sheet.

    As well, making a recipe gluten free also affects the texture; but this gluten free banana bread is super delicious so don't worry about that.

    The Bananas

    Select spotty bananas because as the bananas ripen, they get softer, sweeter and the depth of flavour is intensified.

    Can I freeze bananas? Yes! When bananas are on sale (or reduced), buy them in bulk. Once spotty, peel the bananas, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and then pop them into the freezer for half an hour. Then transfer the whole, frozen, bananas to a freezer bag. When you have a craving for some yummy banana bread, remove 3 from the bag and let them come to room temperature before baking.

    cream butter and nut butter
    add sugar
    add remaining wet ingredients

    The Binder

    I've tested several different vegan egg replacements over the years. For texture, flavour, and nutritional benefit, the flax egg is my number one choice for this banana bread. However, you can sub in 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or your favorite vegan egg replacer.

    The Fats

    The addition of peanut butter adds a bit of indulgence, rich depth of flavor, protein, improved texture, and a hint of nuttiness. I've had the best success with a medium to runny peanut butter. If your peanut butter is thicker, add an extra tablespoonful of milk when you are beating it with the butter and sugar to keep the batter light.

    You could sub the peanut butter for any nut/seed butter or just more butter/oil.

    The Toppings

    Texture matters (always) but with vegan baking in particular! The addition of chocolate dust, toasted walnut shards, and caramelized banana slices creates an incredible crust and a flavor combination that takes this egg free banana bread over the top!

    Walnut Shards - walnut halves broken in two to make long thin pieces which are then lightly pushed into the loaf surface. The walnuts become toasted and crunchy while the loaf bakes.

    alternate dry ingredients + banana
    stir in chocolate chips
    scoop into prepared pan

    Vegan Chocolate - This recipe uses chocolate two ways - chips or chunks are stirred into the batter and chocolate dust (finely chopped chocolate) is sprinkled over top.
    Among others, I use Enjoy Life and Costco brand dairy-free chocolate chips. But there are so many delicious options for vegan/dairy-free chocolate now!

    Pro Tip: Be sure to check the ingredients for dairy sources - 'may contain' means it is made in a facility that uses dairy, but dairy is not an ingredient added to the product.

    Banana bread batter in a loaf pan ready for the oven.

    Why this Recipe Works - pro tips!

    This vegan banana bread recipe is a sure thing. It's a reliable recipe that produces a perfect loaf of banana bread every time. Even the gluten free version! This is a pretty simple recipe, but here's a few things I've learned over the years . . .

    • You get the most flavor from super ripe, spotty bananas. My family doesn't LOVE a strong banana flavor so bananas that are 'semi' overripe work for us!
    • Cut a few thin slices off the end of one banana before mashing. Sprinkle those slices with coconut sugar for a gorgeous caramelized garnish.
    • The butter and peanut butter blend more easily if they are at room temperature.
    • Don't over mix your batter. When you mix it until it's super smooth, it changes the banana bread texture. This loaf is pretty rustic and a little dense (just the way we love it). But overmixing activates the gluten and the texture becomes too refined, can lean toward gummy, and seems overly processed (no one wants that). So mix, but not too much!
    • I have a very old (but perfectly calibrated) electric oven, my altitude is ~3550' (1084 m), plus it's super dry here - these factors along with choice of pan each impacts baking time so keep your eyes on your banana loaf for the last 10 minutes to determine your perfect baking time - 56 minutes for me.
    • Don't let the banana bread cool completely in the loaf pan, it steams the sides of the banana bread and makes it too soft (aim for tender not soft). So release the loaf after about 8 or 10 minutes and let it cool completely on a wire rack for the best texture.
    Vegetarian banana bread with melted chocolate chips and banana slices on top in a loaf pan.

    How long does Banana Bread last?

    Refrigerator - If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the banana loaf and store on the counter for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. My preference is to store in the fridge. This banana bread has never lasted more than two days at our house tho - it's pretty sought after.

    Freezer - Banana bread freezes very well. Once completely cool, wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and tin foil and place in freezer. Remove from freezer and bring to room temperature before serving.

    It's no secret, I like pretty food and this vegan peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread is a show stopper! It's a perfect hostess during the holidays or thank you gift and is lovely for afternoon coffee with friends. I have it on good authority that it's 'the most incredible banana bread ever'! Happy Baking!

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    Eggless Banana Nut Muffins - small batch muffins with life-changing topping options!!
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    Did you make my Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe? If so, please leave a comment and a rating below. 
    For more vegan food inspiration, follow along on Instagram and Facebook!
    NEVER MISS A RECIPE: Sign up for my email NEWSLETTER!

    Loaf of vegan banana bread.

    Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    This luscious vegan banana bread has a super tender crumb and an amazing crust. There are crunchy bits from toasty walnuts, sweet bits from chocolate morsels, and peanut-butter-banana goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s so pretty! A one-bowl wonder that's baked in 56 minutes!
    Author : Tracy Halasz
    Servings:10 slices

    Rate this recipe!

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 56 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 11 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS

    • ⅓ cup vegan butter, softened
    • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
    • ⅔ cup brown sugar
    • 1 flax egg
    • 1 - 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
    • 2-3 tablespoons milk
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 ¾ cup flour, ap
    • 1 ¼ cups ripe bananas (3 medium-large bananas)
    • ½ cup chocolate chips
    • ¼ cup walnut, halves

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Pre-heat oven to 350º F
      Grease the inside of a loaf pan and add a thick strip of parchment paper for easy release.
    • Cut 6-8 slices off one banana and set aside for garnish.
    • Mash the remaining bananas with a fork.
    • Mix a flax egg using 1 tablespoon of flax seed powder and 3 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside.
    • Remove ~10 chocolate chips from portion and finely chop. Set aside for garnish.
    • Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar with hand beaters until light. (You could beat by hand with a wooden spoon as well.)
    • Add prepared flax egg, vanilla, and milk - mix until light and smooth.
    • Measure out flour using the spoon and level method*. Stir the baking powder and baking soda into the flour.
    • Add the mashed bananas and flour alternately to the creamed ingredients mixing on low or using wooden spoon just until incorporated (don't over mix the batter).
    • Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
    • Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan. The batter will with thick.
    • Arrange the banana slices evenly on the loaf (gently pressing them into place).
    • Poke the walnut shards into the surface of the loaf so they are sticking up and cover the entire loaf.
    • Sprinkle evenly with chopped chocolate dust.
    • Bake in oven until a toothpick comes out clean - approx. 56 minutes*.
    • *Depending on how hot your oven runs, pan size and type, altitude etc, the loaf could take slightly less or more time in the range of 50-60 minutes.
    • Let cool 10 minutes in pan before releasing to a cooling rack.
    • Cool completely before slicing with a serrated knife.

    NOTES

    Peanut Butter - check out this post if you're interested in making your own homemade peanut butter.
    Chocolate Chips - Reserve 10, finely chop to create chocolate dust for top of loaf.
    Banana Slices - Cut 6-8 thin slices from one of the bananas for top of loaf.
    Walnut Shards - Break the walnut halves in half - creating long shards to poke into the top of loaf.
    Egg Replacer - for this recipe I prefer a flax egg but you could also use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid) or Bob's Red Mill egg replacer with good results.
    Measuring Flour - Use spoon and level method. Don't scoop the flour directly out of the bag into the measuring cup which is compacted. Scoop the flour with a spoon to fill the measuring cup then use the back of a knife to level it. 
    Flour - I use all purpose flour for this recipe, but you can sub 1:1 gluten free flour with good success.
    Cooking Time - Will vary depending on your altitude and how hot your oven runs. Keep your eyes on the loaf for the last 8-10 minutes.
    A few indicators that the Banana Bread is ready: First sign - the house will smell incredible! Visual sign - the top of the loaf will be perfectly golden. Last - a toothpick stuck in the center comes out (mostly) clean. See IG story highlights for step by step baking video.

    This recipe is from simplyceecee.co food blog. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images or republish this recipe without prior permission. Thank you.

    Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @ceeceecooks or tag #ceeceecooks

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    534 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Thea

      April 06, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      Omg we have made this 3 times in the past 2 weeks. Needless to say I'm obsessed!!!!????????

      Reply
      • simplyceecee

        April 06, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        Thank you so much! I'm so happy you enjoy it!

        Reply
    2. Dwas

      April 06, 2020 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing Truly outstanding taste and texture. Kids love it and we love to share ( but ...um we always squirrel away a little “supply” just for us.) Yum

      Reply
      • simplyceecee

        April 06, 2020 at 8:03 pm

        So happy your family loves the banana bread! Thank you

        Reply
    3. Karoline Beninger

      April 06, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love this banana bread. It is so delicious! The crunch top is delightful. So much flavour with the chocolate and bananas and nuts!!!! I really love the dense texture. You really know you’ve had something wonderful to eat and it’s so fulfilling. Best banana bread EVER

      Reply
      • simplyceecee

        April 06, 2020 at 8:24 pm

        Oh, thank you so much, Karoline. I'm so happy that you love the banana bread.

        Reply
    4. Jane

      April 10, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      Truly amazing! Best banana bread I’ve ever had.

      Reply
      • simplyceecee

        April 11, 2020 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you so much, Jane! I'm so happy you enjoy the banana bread!

        Reply
    5. Jenn

      May 02, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      Best banana bread ever! Easy to follow recipe!

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        May 02, 2020 at 4:33 pm

        Thank you, Jennifer! We agree!

        Reply
    6. Drew

      May 05, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      A Classic improved by being Vegan ! Wow. Hands down the best Love how you explain your recipes.

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        May 06, 2020 at 10:47 am

        Thank you so much, Drew!

        Reply
        • Sandi

          November 22, 2020 at 10:47 am

          5 stars
          Amazing banana bread! My family loved it and so easy to make!

          Reply
          • Tracy Halasz

            November 22, 2020 at 12:24 pm

            Thank you so much for your feedback, Sandi. We love it too!

            Reply
    7. Linda

      May 17, 2020 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      This is an amazing banana bread I have made it several times already. It’s going to part of my recipe collection for sure. Thanks so much for sharing Tracy????

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        May 18, 2020 at 1:31 pm

        Thank you so much, Linda! I'm happy you enjoy it!

        Reply
    8. Marcy Krafft

      May 19, 2020 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      This is simply the best banana bread I've ever eaten!

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        May 20, 2020 at 8:15 am

        Thank you so much, Marcy. We agree!!!

        Reply
    9. Scott

      December 26, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      This is the most incredible banana bread! My favorite

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        December 28, 2020 at 11:16 am

        Thank you, Scott! I'm so happy you enjoy it.

        Reply
    10. Stephanie

      January 18, 2021 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      I have made this several times, its SO delicious!!! Our favorite banana bread recipe to date and such an easy recipe to follow. The peanut butter is so unique and adds an incredible slight decadence to the bread. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        January 18, 2021 at 11:21 am

        Stephanie, thank you so much for your feedback. I'm so happy that you enjoy it!!

        Reply
    11. Shirley

      January 18, 2021 at 11:20 am

      Any idea how it works with gluten-free 1-1 flour?

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        January 18, 2021 at 11:31 am

        Hi, thank you for the question. Yes! Thea who left a comment above makes it gluten-free all the time. I have also made it gluten-free a couple of times.

        Reply
    12. Marianne

      August 30, 2021 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for the delicious recipe made it today for the first time and it’s sooo good I’m sure it will be in regular rotation!

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        August 31, 2021 at 8:23 am

        That's fantastic. Thank you for the review!

        Reply
    13. Hannah

      November 22, 2021 at 10:59 am

      Yum! Yum! Yum! This was so good - my whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        November 22, 2021 at 6:01 pm

        Yay! So happy to hear. Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Arleigh Fanning

      December 05, 2021 at 10:30 am

      Thanks for this delicious recipe. Loved the smooth texture and the peanut butter gave it that extra layer of flavour. Gets 2 👍🏻From my 2 year old granddaughter too.

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        December 05, 2021 at 10:37 am

        YAY! So great to hear! Thank you for the review.

        Reply
    15. Francisco

      May 19, 2022 at 7:13 pm

      can I change the "⅓ cup vegan butter, softened" FOR apple sauce?

      Reply
      • Tracy Halasz

        May 20, 2022 at 11:05 am

        I have not tested it with apple sauce. It would change the texture. Let me know if you try it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Tracy, welcome! I’ve been creating and cooking vegetarian/vegan food for decades, and love helping others on their journey to eat more plants. Here you’ll find super flavorful vegan recipes you and your family will love – vegan or not!

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