Banana bread is a timeless classic, beloved for its moist texture and naturally sweet flavor. But what if you could take this comforting favorite to a whole new level?
Enter molasses and vegetable oil—two ingredients that add depth, richness, and a subtle hint of earthiness to your banana bread. Molasses, with its robust and slightly smoky sweetness, perfectly complements ripe bananas, while vegetable oil ensures a tender crumb without overpowering the bread’s flavor.
This recipe is not only simple to follow but also versatile enough for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert, this banana bread with molasses and vegetable oil promises a delightful twist on a well-loved treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and create a loaf that’s flavorful, moist, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread recipe stands out because it balances the sweetness of bananas with the rich, complex flavor of molasses. Unlike traditional recipes that rely heavily on butter, using vegetable oil results in a lighter, moister loaf that stays fresh longer.
Molasses adds antioxidants and minerals, giving your bread a subtle nutritional boost.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly forgiving—perfect for novice bakers still mastering the art of quick breads. The combination of ingredients creates a bread that’s not too sweet but deeply flavorful, with a tender crumb and a slightly caramelized crust.
It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
For those interested in exploring more wholesome baking ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher for mashing bananas
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Add the molasses, vegetable oil, and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined. The molasses may make the mixture darker but it adds great flavor.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure that everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Do not overmix; stir just until the flour disappears.
- If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch and texture. Walnuts or pecans both work beautifully.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil after 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, use bananas that are heavily speckled or even blackened—they are sweeter and softer, perfect for baking.
- Swap vegetable oil for coconut oil for a subtle tropical aroma and a dairy-free option with a different fat profile.
- Add spices like nutmeg or ground ginger along with cinnamon for a warm, spiced bread.
- Mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries to change things up.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Try swapping molasses with maple syrup if you prefer a lighter sweetness, though molasses gives a richer taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12th loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 1.2g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 16g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions. Try spreading a thin layer of vegan butter or nut butter for extra creaminess.
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup on a warm slice also pairs wonderfully.
For a decadent brunch, serve the bread alongside fresh fruit and a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. It’s also fantastic toasted and topped with a bit of cream cheese or your favorite jam.
If you love banana-based recipes, you might want to explore our Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy for another tasty breakfast idea.
Conclusion
Incorporating molasses and vegetable oil into your banana bread is a simple way to create a loaf that’s deeply flavorful, moist, and wonderfully tender. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic banana sweetness and the rich, complex notes introduced by molasses.
The use of vegetable oil keeps the texture light and extends freshness, making it an ideal snack or breakfast staple.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this banana bread will quickly become a go-to recipe. Plus, it’s adaptable to many dietary preferences and tastes, with plenty of room for creative variations.
Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and explore more delicious options like our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to expand your culinary repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Banana Bread with Molasses and Vegetable Oil
Description: A moist and flavorful banana bread sweetened with molasses and made tender with vegetable oil. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix molasses, vegetable oil, eggs, mashed bananas, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 38 g
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