Banana Nut Cake Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Guide

Banana nut cake is a timeless classic that offers a perfect balance of sweet, moist banana flavor and crunchy, toasted nuts. When made vegan, this delicious treat becomes even more appealing to a wider audience, catering to those avoiding animal products without compromising on taste or texture.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based desserts, this banana nut cake recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields a cake that’s rich, fluffy, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Imagine biting into a slice of warm, fragrant banana cake with the delightful crunch of walnuts or pecans in every mouthful. This recipe uses ripe bananas to naturally sweeten the cake, while plant-based milk and oil keep it moist and tender.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this vegan banana nut cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan banana nut cake is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for healthier ingredients. Here’s why you’ll love making and eating this cake:

• Moist and flavorful: The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for dairy or eggs.
• Crunchy nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a satisfying texture contrast that complements the soft crumb.
• Simple ingredients: You’ll only need pantry staples and ripe bananas, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Perfect for all occasions: Great for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or even a special breakfast treat.
• Vegan and allergy-friendly: No eggs, dairy, or animal products, suitable for most dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (can substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
• Whisk or electric mixer (optional, for easier mixing)
• 9×5-inch loaf pan or 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Toast the nuts: Spread the chopped walnuts or pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
4. Mash bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining.
5. Combine wet ingredients: Add the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk to the mashed bananas. Stir well until fully combined.
6. Mix wet and dry: Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Fold in nuts: Add most of the toasted nuts into the batter, reserving a few for topping. Stir gently to distribute.
8. Pour into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top for a beautiful finish.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool before slicing: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.

Tips & Variations

For extra moistness, you can substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. To make it gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Nut options: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds depending on your preference or what’s on hand.
• Add spices: Enhance flavor by adding 1 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, fold in ½ cup vegan chocolate chips before baking.
• Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace sugar but reduce the almond milk slightly to compensate for added liquid.
• Mini muffins: Pour the batter into a lined mini muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes for bite-sized treats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan banana nut cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple serving ideas:

• Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Drizzle with natural almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty boost.
• Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea to enjoy a comforting snack.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious baked goods on the blog such as our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the delightful Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe for more vegan dessert inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegan banana nut cake is a wonderful addition to any baker’s collection, combining simplicity, flavor, and wholesome ingredients into one irresistible treat. It showcases how plant-based baking can be just as satisfying and delicious as traditional recipes, without compromising on texture or taste.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this cake brings warmth and comfort with every bite.

With its easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward method, you can whip up this banana nut cake anytime you have ripe bananas to use. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite nuts, spices, or add-ins.

For those looking to explore more vegan baking, don’t miss other recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a savory twist or the Half Runner Beans Recipe that complements any meal beautifully.

Happy baking and enjoy every delicious slice of this vegan banana nut cake!

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