Easy Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread Recipe

Ah, banana bread—it’s a timeless classic that we all love, isn’t it? I can vividly recall the first time I tried to bake a loaf. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I had a pile of ripe bananas staring at me, begging not to be wasted. As I mashed those bananas with a fork, the sweet, comforting aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel excited. Little did I know, this simple process would lead to my first ever baking triumph. The warm bread, slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, was an instant hit! Today, I’d like to share a twist on that classic: Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and absolutely delightful. Trust me, even if it’s your first time baking, I will make this journey simple, stress-free, and totally doable.

Why I Love This Recipe of Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread

This Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread holds a special place in my heart. Combining the rich taste of dark chocolate with zesty orange and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas is pure magic! The vibrant flavors not only uplift your mood but also bring a touch of brightness to even the dreariest of days. What’s even better is that this recipe is beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this delightful treat. The blend of ingredients offers a cozy, nourishing experience that fills your home with warmth. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some healthy ingredients—all while indulging in something sweet!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread

Let’s talk about the essentials you’ll need to create this scrumptious loaf:

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Essentials

• 3 large ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They should be well-spotted and soft to provide natural sweetness and moisture.

• 3 tablespoons orange zest: This adds a fresh, zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible. Zest from three medium-sized oranges will be just perfect.

• 250 ml orange juice: You can juice the same three oranges you zested. Then, if needed, make up the quantity with your choice of non-dairy milk. I usually opt for oat milk, but almond or soy milk would also work beautifully.

• 120 g caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, providing that sweet touch without any graininess.

• 450 g plain flour: This gives structure to your loaf.

• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This ensures a lovely rise, making your banana bread light and fluffy.

• 1 pinch salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor.

• 125 g dark chocolate chips: The star of the show! Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan.

Optional Add-Ons

• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
• Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile further.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• Sugar alternatives: If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but note that this might change the texture slightly.
• Gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread Step-by-Step

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to create your Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread.

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens), 350°F, or gas mark 4. Line a 2 lb (900g) loaf tin with baking paper. If you don’t have baking paper, a light greasing will work, but I always find that lining it makes for an easier release later on.

Step 2: Zest and Juice the Oranges

Start by zesting three medium-sized oranges. Make sure to zest only the orange part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Once you’ve zested them, juice the same oranges, measuring 250 ml. If you come up short on juice, simply top it up with your milk of choice.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash your three ripe bananas with a fork until they’re smooth. A few small lumps are okay; they add character to your bread!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the orange zest, sugar, and the orange juice mixture to the bananas. Mix everything together gently—just enough to combine the ingredients without over-mixing.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, measure out the flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips. Reserve some of the chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the bread later. Pour the dry mixture over the wet ingredients in the large bowl.

Step 6: Fold the Mixtures Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Remember not to over-mix! A few specks of flour remaining are perfectly fine.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared loaf tin. Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top for that enticing look.

Step 8: Bake

Pop your loaf tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. After this time, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the banana bread. It should come out clean; if not, give it an additional 5-10 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once your Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread is done, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, gently tip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy

Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or on its own as a nourishing snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter

One of the most common pitfalls is overmixing. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the fluffy texture you want.

2. Using Unripe Bananas

If your bananas are not ripe enough, you might end up with a banana bread that lacks sweetness and flavor. Look for bananas that are brown and speckled—they’ll add the best flavor.

3. Forgetting to Adjust Baking Times

Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your loaf as it bakes and be ready to adjust the baking time by a few minutes if needed. If it looks done but still has wet batter inside, just cover it with foil to prevent further browning while it continues to bake.

4. Skipping the Zest

The orange zest in this recipe is a game-changer! Skipping it might mean missing out on some lovely bright notes in your banana bread, so don’t leave it out.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread

1. Breakfast Treat

Slice your banana bread and enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast. A spread of almond or peanut butter adds protein and a delicious nutty flavor.

2. Afternoon Snack

Enjoy a slice (or two) with a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon. It can be beautifully complemented by a touch of vegan butter or margarine.

3. Dessert Option

Serve warm slices of the banana bread for dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vegan ice cream on the side. The combinations of flavors will leave you smiling.

4. Make It a Gift

Wrap up a loaf in pretty packaging and share it with friends or family. It makes for a delightful gift to brighten someone’s day!

Nutritional Values of Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread

Knowing the nutritional benefits of what you’re eating can enhance your enjoyment! Here’s a breakdown of the key components of a slice of Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread (calculated from 10 slices total):

Calories

On average, one slice has around 200-250 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent treat.

Carbohydrates

Each slice provides a good amount of carbohydrates, mainly from the bananas and flour, giving you a quick energy boost.

Fiber

Thanks to the bananas and flour, this recipe also offers a decent amount of dietary fiber, which is great for digestion.

Sweeteners

While it does contain sugar, the sweetness comes naturally from the bananas, allowing for a more balanced sugar level.

Conclusion & Next Steps

So there you have it: Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread is not only doable but also a beloved classic you can make in your own kitchen. Remember, it’s easier than it looks, and it can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It’s cozy, classic, and has received a thumbs-up from even the pickiest of eaters. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do!

I encourage you to grab those ripe bananas and start baking. You won’t regret it. And remember to share your creations—tag me in your photos, or shoot me a message to let me know how yours turned out!

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FAQs About Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread

Now, go dive into your kitchen and enjoy making this Vegan Chocolate Orange Banana Bread!