Are you craving a delicious, moist, and utterly satisfying loaf cake that’s 100% vegan? Look no further!
This best vegan loaf cake recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet treat made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply love wholesome baking, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity.
With a tender crumb, natural sweetness, and subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon, this loaf cake is versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast with your morning coffee or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
Plus, it uses simple pantry staples and requires minimal preparation, making it an accessible favorite for bakers of all skill levels.
Ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself? Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how to make it your new go-to vegan loaf cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan loaf cake is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to the use of plant-based oil and a clever combination of wet ingredients that replace eggs without compromising texture.
The sweetness comes naturally from ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup, making it healthier and less processed than typical cakes.
Second, it’s super adaptable. You can add nuts, dried fruit, or dairy-free chocolate chips to personalize your loaf.
It also keeps well, so you can bake ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.
Finally, it’s made with wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients, ensuring you don’t need specialty products or complicated techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this loaf cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts, ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips, or ½ cup dried cranberries
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mash the bananas: In a separate bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the ripe bananas until smooth with a few small lumps remaining.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add sugar, oil, vanilla extract, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated.
- Blend wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Add optional mix-ins: If using nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries, fold them in now.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan: Smooth the top with your spatula for an even bake.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes: Insert a toothpick in the center after 50 minutes; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Cool the loaf: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite vegan spread or simply on its own.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an extra moist loaf, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a seasonal twist. Adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed can boost the nutritional profile and add a subtle nutty flavor.
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend but be sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
Looking for a chocolate version? Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and toss in some vegan chocolate chips for a rich treat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan loaf cake is a versatile delight. Serve slices with a smear of vegan butter or nut butter for breakfast or a midday snack.
It pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee.
For a decadent dessert, top slices with dairy-free whipped cream and fresh berries. You can also lightly toast the slices and spread with jam or vegan cream cheese for added flavor and texture.
Want to impress guests? Create a layered dessert by crumbling slices into a bowl and layering with coconut yogurt and fruit compote for a quick parfait.
Conclusion
This best vegan loaf cake recipe proves that plant-based baking can be simple, wholesome, and incredibly tasty. From the moist crumb to the natural sweetness and aromatic spices, every bite is a testament to how delicious vegan desserts can be without any compromise.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers flexibility and ease, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, with minimal ingredients and fuss, it’s an ideal way to enjoy a homemade treat that’s kind to animals and the planet.
For more delicious and creative vegan recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a savory twist, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Leche De Pantera Recipe. If you’re looking to master versatile doughs, our Magic Dough Recipe is a must-try!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Loaf Cake
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan loaf cake perfect for any occasion. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, it's both delicious and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the milk mixture, oil, vanilla, and applesauce to dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 32 g
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