Banana bread has long been a beloved comfort food, and when made vegan, it becomes an inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy. Our award-winning banana bread recipe vegan is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly tender, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe transforms overripe bananas into a delicious loaf that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this banana bread offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and rich texture without any animal products.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, including tips and variations to make it your own. Plus, I’ll share a few secrets that made this recipe a winner in baking contests.
Ready to bake the best vegan banana bread you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan banana bread stands out for its incredible moistness and rich banana flavor. Unlike many vegan baked goods that can be dry or crumbly, this loaf remains soft and tender thanks to the perfect combination of ripe bananas, plant-based milk, and oil.
It’s also incredibly easy to make — no fancy ingredients or equipment required. The recipe uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for any home baker.
Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with bananas and a touch of maple syrup, keeping refined sugar low.
Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for a delicious way to use overripe bananas, this banana bread is a foolproof choice that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better, about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup organic maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional for a sweet twist)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in carefully at this stage.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For the best banana bread, use bananas that are heavily speckled or almost black — the riper, the sweeter!
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but add an extra teaspoon of baking powder for lift.
- Add spices: Try nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Boost nutrition: Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Switch up the mix-ins: Instead of nuts or chocolate chips, try dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or vegan white chocolate chips.
- Make mini muffins: Pour the batter into a lined mini muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes for bite-sized treats.
For a fun twist on baked goods, check out these other delicious recipes: Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe and Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12 of loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 190 |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan banana bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For a simple breakfast, enjoy a slice with your favorite nut butter or vegan cream cheese spread.
It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For a dessert option, try toasting a slice and topping it with vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. If you’re serving brunch or a snack platter, cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve alongside fresh fruit and nuts.
Looking for more vegan baking inspiration? You might love the rich and creamy Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs or the savory Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.
Conclusion
This award-winning banana bread recipe vegan is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a moist, flavorful loaf that everyone can enjoy. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a staple in any baker’s repertoire, especially for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle.
Whether you’re baking it for a family breakfast, a potluck, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe delivers consistent results that will impress even non-vegans. Remember, the key is ripe bananas and gentle mixing to keep the bread light and tender.
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful loaf as much as I do!
📖 Recipe Card: Award Winning Banana Bread Recipe Vegan
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients to create a delicious treat everyone will love.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 32 g
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