Banana Bread Healthy Recipe Vegan and Deliciously Easy

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Banana bread is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen. But what if you could enjoy this beloved treat without the guilt?

This healthy vegan banana bread recipe is just that—a delicious, moist, and naturally sweet loaf made with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re vegan, looking to cut back on sugar, or simply want a nourishing snack, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while plant-based ingredients keep it light and nutritious. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert, this banana bread is easy to whip up and will quickly become a family favorite.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best healthy vegan banana bread, including tips for the perfect loaf and some tasty variations to try. Plus, you’ll find some handy links to other delicious recipes to complement your baking adventures!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread recipe is packed with benefits that make it a must-try for anyone seeking a healthier, plant-based option. First, it uses ripe bananas as a natural sweetener, cutting down on added sugars significantly.

The use of whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, making it more filling and better for digestion compared to refined flours.

It’s also completely vegan, meaning no eggs, dairy, or animal products, which makes it suitable for a wide range of diets. Plus, the texture is incredibly moist and tender, with just the right amount of crumb and crumbly crust.

This banana bread freezes and reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it anytime.

Lastly, it’s versatile! You can easily toss in nuts, seeds, or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Once you try this recipe, it might just replace your traditional banana bread forever.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer and adds moisture)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or any neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your bread tender.
  6. Fold in any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Slice and enjoy! This bread is delicious warm or at room temperature, and it keeps well for several days.

Tips & Variations

“Use bananas that are heavily speckled or even starting to brown for maximum sweetness and flavor!”

  • Make it nut-free: Simply omit the nuts or swap for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Add shredded coconut or flaxseeds: For extra texture and nutrition, toss in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut or ground flaxseeds.
  • Spice it up: Try adding 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Sweetener alternatives: Use date syrup, coconut sugar, or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
  • For a gluten-free option: Substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Slice (12 slices)
Calories 150 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 3 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Protein 2 g
Sugar 10 g (natural sugars)

Serving Suggestions

This healthy vegan banana bread is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. For a light breakfast, serve a warm slice with a smear of almond or peanut butter and a drizzle of agave syrup.

It also makes a great snack alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.

Want to mix things up? Try spreading some homemade vegan cream cheese or jam on top.

For extra protein, serve it with a side of vegan yogurt or a smoothie like the refreshing Green Goodness Juice Recipe.

Conclusion

This healthy vegan banana bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat while sticking to your health goals and dietary preferences. With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all levels.

The natural sweetness from ripe bananas and maple syrup keeps it delicious without any refined sugars, while whole wheat flour boosts its nutritional profile.

Whether you eat it fresh out of the oven or save it for later, this banana bread offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Don’t forget to experiment with the add-ins and spices to make it uniquely yours.

And if you’re looking for more delicious baked goods, check out these recipes: Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe, Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe, and Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Banana Bread Healthy Recipe Vegan

Description: A moist and flavorful vegan banana bread made with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla.
  3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
  6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool before slicing.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 28 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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