Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread

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This Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread is super moist, tasty, packed with healthy nutrients including superfoods like Chia Seeds, and 100% delicious! It takes less than 10 minutes to whip together and makes for a great healthy alternative for a little sweetness in the morning for breakfast or even for dessert after dinner. All vegan ingredients, entirely kid-friendly, and a gluten-free option available.

Sponsored Post: This post is sponsored by Navitas Organics, but the content and opinions expressed are all based on my genuine love for this brand and are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands I love.

Now that the long Holiday weekend is over, I couldn’t be more excited to share another recipe in collaboration with Navitas Organics.

If you’ve been an avid follower of Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you’re aware that I chose my collaborations with brands VERY carefully, because I want to ensure that they represent this blog’s mission in every way possible.

Honestly, I’d rather turn down a company that doesn’t coincide with what I stand for and of course I often already use that company’s product so that I can ensure that you’ll love it too.

With that being said, I’m a huge fan of Navitas Organics and often use so much of their products. Navitas Organics has so many great options when it comes to eating healthy and this powder is just ONE of the amazing flavors available.

In case you aren’t too familiar, Navitas Organics has an array of options which include Cacao, Goji Berries, Maca Powder, Superfood blends, Turmeric, Chia Seeds, Mulberry Berries, and so much!

In addition, they have Latte mixes, Powder Boosts, Power Snacks, and more.

Looking For Great Ideas to Incorporate Navitas’ Powders?

This Vegan Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Buttercream is a healthier option to the decadent classic—Chocolate Cake! Not only is it completely moist + fluffy, but it’s also filled with an airy Cacao buttercream that when paired with this velvety vegan chocolate (cacao) buttercream, they all work amazingly together. A definite crowd-pleasing cake for any occasion, celebration, or ‘treat yo’ self day!

These No-Bake Cacao Date Loaded Energy Bars are loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like Cacao, Cacao Butter, Dates, Chia Seeds, Cashew Nuts, Coconut Flakes, Pumpkin Seeds, and Maple Syrup. They make for an awesome packable snack, breakfast replacement, or even dessert if you’re into something healthy as a sweet treat. Full of bold flavor, chewy, and super easy to make. Vegan and Gluten-Free.

These Vegan Blueberry Acai Mini Muffins are a great healthy option for the entire family. Loaded with nutrient dense ingredients, these mini muffins are the perfect little bites for breakfast, brunch, a quick packable snack, or sweet treat after dinner. Moist, fluffy, made in just 1 bowl, and in 25 minutes.

When it comes to Banana Bread, I’ve found a new love for it. Honestly, I never use to be a fan of it, especially the traditional way that it was often made when I was growing up.

However, since putting my own spin on things, I’ve realized just how delicious it can be and just how versatile it is as well.

Let’s take this Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread for instance. It’s perfectly sweet and moist, is balanced between tender and crunchy (from the Walnuts + Pecan crumble), and 100% delicious! 

Then there’s this Almond-Cinnamon Crunch Blueberry Banana Bread which is a fun balance between crunch and fluffiness. Best during breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this banana bread uses healthier ingredients which include a blend of whole wheat + all-purpose flour, toasted almond nuts, organic blueberries, coconut oil, and non-dairy milk. Plus, it’s completely dairy-free and vegan which is a real special sweet treat for those taste-buds! 

And if you’re so into Banana Bread, BUT would need it to be more ‘on-the-go’, then these Vegan Cinnamon Banana Crumble Muffins are A MUST! They are literally hand held sized Banana Breads that can be packed away for your kid’s lunch or carried around with you on the move.

Either way—you’ll love all of the delicious options that Banana Bread has to offer!

Looking for a Healthier Sweetener Option?

The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.

So Why Chia Seeds Anyway?

OK, so did you know that Chia Seeds are considered a superfood? Yup. It is. For those of you who are wondering what a superfood is anyway—-whelp, it’s pretty simple. Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that are considered to be especially beneficial to one’s health and well-being.

While there isn’t just one type of food that can fight away any one disease, etc.; having an array of good foods (including superfoods) and a well-balanced diet is the key to overall good health.

When it comes to Chia Seeds, this type of food falls under the ‘Nuts and Seeds’ category of superfoods. They are generally rich in fiber, vegetarian protein, and heart-healthy fats.

Research has indicated that eating nuts and seeds helps to protect us against heart disease.

While some nuts and seeds are dense in calories, Chia Seeds have very few calories which often makes it a great option when adding it to meals and drinks.

Why I Love Using Maple Syrup or Agave as a Sweetener.

When it comes to both syrups, I often use them interchangeably, although I love to use pure maple syrup mostly. Agave is said to have a lower glycemic index, which makes it perfect for those with diabetes. On the other hand, pure Maple syrup has tons of antioxidants because it comes directly from a plant’s sap.

Chia Seeds from Navitas Organics!

Navitas Organics Chia Seeds are virtually tasteless, making them super versatile. You can use them as a thickening agent in soups or smoothies, add to baked goods for a poppy-seed like crunch, or make chia pudding for a nutritious breakfast or snack. They are organic, No-GMOs, Kosher, Gluten-Free, and Vegan.

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you choose to make this Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love, rate, comment below, + share!

Now, let’s dig right into this recipe, shall we?

Begin by lining a loaf baking pan with parchment paper (leaving an end out on each side for an easy ‘pull-up’ and setting it aside. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit!

In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and Almond milk and stir together until well combined.

Next, add in the flour, baking powder, organic brown sugar, cinnamon, chia seeds, and sea salt. Mix together until well incorporated. **NOTE: Try not to OVER-MIX.**

Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, evenly spreading it. Gently place the sliced banana slices on top of batter (lightly pressing them in so they stay in place) and sprinkle top with chia seeds.

Place your bread in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is fully baked through (by testing center with a toothpick or knife and seeing if it comes out ‘clean’).

Once done, remove bread from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes or so.

Lifting the two sides of the parchment paper, gently remove bread from the loaf pan and onto a platter or dish.

Drizzle with maple syrup (on top) and slice and enjoy.

Bon Appetite!

4.77 from 21 votes

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This Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread 

This Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread is super moist, tasty, packed with healthy nutrients including superfoods like Chia Seeds, and 100% delicious! It takes less than 10 minutes to whip together and makes for a great healthy alternative for a little sweetness in the morning for breakfast or even for dessert after dinner. All vegan ingredients, entirely kid-friendly, and a gluten-free option available.

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Keyword baked, banana, banana bread, bread, brunch, chia seeds, classic, dairy-free, dessert, digestion, easy, gluten-free, healthy, homemade, indulge, loaf, maple, plant-based, recipe, snack, sweet, vegan

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 1 Bread Loaf

Creator Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

Must-Haves:

• 4 ripe organic Bananas, smashed
• 1 3/4 cup organic all-purpose baking flour (I use Bob's Red Mills; See Notes for GF version!)
• 1/2 cup organic brown sugar (I use Sugar in the Raw brand; vegan-approved!)
• 1/2 cup Chia Seeds + 2 Tbsps for top (I use Navitas Organics; See Notes!)
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 cup Almond milk (You can use your favorite plant-based milk!)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (See Notes!)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (See Notes!)

OTHER:

• 1 medium organic Banana, sliced
• 2-3 Tbsps pure maple syrup, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by lining a loaf baking pan with parchment paper (leaving an end out on each side for an easy 'pull-up' and setting it aside. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit!

2. In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and Almond milk and stir together until well combined.

3. Next, add in the flour, baking powder, organic brown sugar, cinnamon, chia seeds, and sea salt. Mix together until well incorporated. **NOTE: Try not to OVER-MIX.**

4. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, evenly spreading it. Gently place the sliced banana slices on top of batter (lightly pressing them in so they stay in place) and sprinkle top with chia seeds.

5. Place your bread in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is fully baked through (by testing center with a toothpick or knife and seeing if it comes out 'clean').

6. Once done, remove bread from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes or so.

7. Lifting the two sides of the parchment paper, gently remove bread from the loaf pan and onto a platter or dish.

8. Drizzle with maple syrup (on top) and slice and enjoy.

9. Bon Appetite!

Tips | Notes:

STORAGE: Refrigerate leftover bread by tightly wrapping it in foil paper or keeping it fully covered in a cake stand—lasts up to a week. Can also be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

SWEETENER: If you choose to opt out of pure maple syrup, you can always substitute with Agave as well.

SEEDS: To purchase Chia Seeds from Navitas Organics, you can do so via their site or a large retailer such as Amazon.

GLUTEN-FREE VERSION: To make this bread GF, I recommend using a GF Flour Blend (Bob’s Red Mills has a great version!). **NOTE: If the bread mixture is too ‘thin + runny’, simply add additional GF flour, 1/4 cup at a time.**

OIL: Instead of vegetable oil, you can also use Coconut oil, if preferred.

Vegan Chia Seed Maple Banana Bread.

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