Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This vegan peanut butter chocolate chip 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!

Keep reading to see why this banana bread is loved by everyone. I share tips for making perfect vegan banana bread every time, why the flavor and texture are the best, as well as a gluten-free, nut-free substitution.

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 different (better). Try it, I think you'll agree it's the best. Like this review from Thea:

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

This is my tried and true, tweaked and tested recipe that everyone loves! But if you've got only one banana (and 30 minutes), try these equally delicious, small batch vegan banana nut muffins!

Why Everyone Loves this Recipe

• 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!
• not too sweet - perfectly balanced rich and complex flavor profile
• versatile - can be made gluten free, chocolate free, nut free
• reliable recipe - turns out perfect every. single. time
• simple recipe - for newly vegan eaters and beginner cooks - easy, straightforward recipe made with simple pantry ingredients

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 banana bread is made without eggs or dairy which impacts both flavour and texture, but you won't miss either in this recipe!

As well, making a recipe gluten free also affects the texture; but the gf version of this banana loaf 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.

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 vegan banana loaf 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.

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 is not an ingredient added to the product.

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 overripe, 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.

How long does Banana Bread last?

Refrigerator - If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the 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 loaf 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 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!

More Vegan Dessert Recipes

Chocolate Obsession Cupcakes - Mother's favourite birthday cupcakes!
Quick Banana Nut Muffins - small batch muffins with life-changing topping options!!
Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie Cups - irresistibly delicious and easy!
Raisin Spice Cookies - Not too sweet, perfectly spiced!
Super Simple Overnight Bread - Family favourite hot out of the oven!

Did you make my Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe? If so, please leave a comment and a rating below. 
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