Healthified banana bread

I know banana bread was all the rage at the beginning of the pandemic, but it’s been a whole year now, so (if you ask me) it’s time to bring it back.

This vegan and gluten-free almond flour banana bread is SO dang good, I promise you’re going to love it. It’s a healthier version of the traditional banana bread we all know and love.

The ingredient list is short and sweet with only 10 ingredients. It features nutritious plant-based ingredients like ground flax seeds, almond flour, banana, and pecans, and uses monkfruit sweetener in place of sugar to make it added sugar-free.

The use of almond flour keeps the carbohydrate count down and also provides some plant-based protein. Ground flax seeds are an amazing source of plant-based omega-3s (healthy fats) and fiber.

This recipe is also super easy to make! Be sure to check out the recipe notes below for tips and tricks.

Recipe notes

Loaf Pan - If you use a standard size loaf pan (roughly 9x5in), the loaf will be shorter like as pictured. I tried doubling the batch in the same loaf pan and it still turned out great. You can also try using a smaller sized loaf pan.
Bake Time - Keep bake times in mind based on pan and batch size. Check the loaf at about 30 minutes and determine if it needs more time based on color and toothpick test. To avoid burning the outer edges, you can add a piece of foil over the pan for the last 10 minutes (after the 30-minute mark).
Almond Flour - I’ve only tried this recipe with almond flour and would recommend sticking with almond flour. If you want to use another flour, keep at least half almond flour and half other flour. You may need to use some liquid sweetener or plant-based milk depending on what kind of flour you add.
Monkfruit Sweetener - I love monkfruit sweetener as a natural sugar-free substitute for sugar. If you don’t have it you can use coconut sugar, raw cane sugar, or regular sugar instead. I do not recommend using liquid sweeteners instead.
Bananas - Use over-ripe bananas for best flavor and texture. If you like a dense banana bread with an extra moist center, use 1 1/2 bananas.
Olive Oil - I think the olive oil adds to the richness of this recipe, however, you can definitely use a different oil in its place, such as melted coconut oil.

I hope you love this recipe! Be sure to leave a comment below if you give it a try, and tag me in your photos on Instagram @wellismore so I can see all of your delicious creations!

Almond Flour Banana Bread, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1/4 cup water

3 tbsp ground flax meal

1.5 cups almond flour

1/4 cup monkfruit sweetener

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 - 1.5 over-ripe bananas, mashed

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup crushed pecans, plus more for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F
In a small bowl, mix ground flax meal with water. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, add almond flour, monkfruit sweetener, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix to combine.
Add flax mixture, mashed banana, and olive oil. Mix to combine then mix in 1/4 cup crushed pecan pieces.
Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan and top with additional pecan pieces.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve warm or room temp and enjoy!
This recipe can also be saved in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.