Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 2 cups chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy), if needed

Optional Mix-Ins

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder

Optional Toppings

• Sliced banana
• Rolled oats
• Chopped walnuts
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon sugar
• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Chickpea flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg (if using)
• Salt

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.

Add:

• Eggs
• Maple syrup or honey
• Melted coconut oil
• Greek yogurt or applesauce
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until no dry streaks remain.

If the batter seems too thick, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Fold in any optional mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, walnuts, coconut, or flaxseed.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Fill the Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

If desired, top with sliced banana, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, or extra chocolate chips.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

Carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 8: Serve

Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Serve plain or with butter, almond butter, peanut butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.

Serving Suggestions

Chickpea Flour Banana Bread pairs perfectly with:

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh berries
• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Fresh fruit salad
• Coffee
• Chai tea
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla smoothie

Tips for the Best Chickpea Flour Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
• Measure the chickpea flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the loaf dense.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to improve consistency.
• Store the bread only after it has cooled completely to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Fold in ½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.

Walnut Banana Bread

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

Blueberry Banana Bread

Gently fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.

Vegan Chickpea Banana Bread

Replace the eggs with flax eggs, use maple syrup, dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based milk.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Swirl a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar through the batter before baking.

Coconut Banana Bread

Mix in shredded coconut and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Protein Banana Bread

Add one scoop of vanilla protein powder and increase the milk by 2–3 tablespoons if needed.

Storage

Store leftover Chickpea Flour Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving for the best texture and flavor.