I’m an early bird, and don’t usually get hungry for breakfast until a couple of hours after I wake up. However, I love to have something sweet with my coffee, as my mom raised me to do, and love nothing more than a warm slice of vegan banana bread to start my morning.
I wanted to take my quarantine baking to the next level, so decided to attempt a flavor I’ve never done before and I’m SO happy I did. Look at those gorgeous swirls of chocolate– they’re seriously mesmerizing.
I wanted to work on a vegan recipe for all of my followers who have egg allergies, and since I bake a lot with nuts and almond flour, I thought I’d attempt a nut-free recipe, too. I’m so happy with how this vegan banana bread turned out! You wouldn’t even know its vegan, so let’s keep that a secret from any skeptical friends.
Some things you’ll need for this recipe:
Spelt flour– I love using spelt flour in place of regular flour because its a whole-grain with more fiber. However, you can substitute all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Chia eggs- I’ve seen a few vegan banana breads that use the bananas as a binder in place of eggs. I personally didn’t didn’t love the texture that yields, so replaced the eggs with chia. The chia seeds create a gel-like substance and can be used in almost any baked recipe to make it vegan!
Olive oil– while quarantining, I wanted to create a simple recipe using ingredients most people have at home. Olive oil seemed to be abundant in all households, but can also be subbed for another neutral oil.
Apple cider vinegar- in vegan baking, the acids in apple cider vinegar help activate the baking soda and powder in place of the eggs. This helps give the baked good a fluffier texture.
You’ll need only few other simple ingredients you likely have lying around! I can’t wait for you guys to try this one. Don’t forget to check out my Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread if you have some extra bananas on hand.
Be sure to tag me on Instagram @somethingnutritious and tag #somethingnutritious so I can see your creations!
Vegan Marbled Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups spelt flour*
- 3 large spotty bananas, mashed
- 2 chia or flax eggs (2 tbsp chia seeds or ground flax mixed with 5 tbsp water, let sit for 2 minutes)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, can sub white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder whisked with 3 tbsp hot water
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the spelt flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix together remaining wet ingredients except for the cocoa mixture and chocolate chips.
- Combine with dry ingredients and mix well. Divide the batter in half and pour into two bowls.
- Mix the cocoa mixture into one of the bowls and fold in 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips to the chocolate mix.
- In a parchment lined 9 x 5 loaf pan, layer the two batters- should be about 2 layers of each. Swirl the batters in using a knife, then top with remaining chocolate chips (see video below)
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing
- Store in cool place or refrigerate in warmer climates
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
I made this recipe exactly as written and it was a huge hit!! Thank you for this recipe 🙂
Thank you, Nina!