Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist, naturally sweet vegan banana bread with rich cocoa flavor, using half the typical sugar for a healthier indulgence. This desserts (vegan) ready in about 65 minutes layers ripe bananas, maple syrup, unsweetened almond milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mash 3 medium ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup melted coconut oil until combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1/2 cup dark vegan chocolate chips.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Step 8: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Half-Baked Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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