Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy comforting, delicious treats that bring warmth and joy to the table. If you’re looking to add a vegan twist to your holiday dessert lineup, this banana bread vegan recipe for Thanksgiving will quickly become a favorite.
Rich, moist, and bursting with natural sweetness, this banana bread offers the perfect balance of cozy spices and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to try something new, this recipe is straightforward, uses pantry staples, and yields a loaf that’s perfect for sharing.
Beyond being a delightful treat, this banana bread is also a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that tend to pile up during the holidays. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of vegan butter the next morning.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan banana bread is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
The natural sweetness from ripe bananas eliminates the need for excessive sugar, while the warm spices add a festive touch perfect for the holiday season.
Additionally, this recipe is egg-free, dairy-free, and uses plant-based alternatives, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone wanting a healthier treat. It’s also easily customizable – add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
Best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, which means you can whip up this loaf with ease and confidence.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (medium to large, mashed)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted) or any neutral oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two sizes)
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk or stir until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and/or vegan chocolate chips if using. These add delightful texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The blacker the skin, the better!
For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. To make this banana bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
If you like a bit more spice, try adding 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or ginger. You can also swirl in some vegan cream cheese frosting or a cinnamon sugar topping before baking for a sweeter finish.
For a festive holiday touch, sprinkle chopped dried cranberries or chopped dates into the batter.
Want to try a different texture? Replace half of the mashed bananas with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter crumb.
Or add 1/4 cup shredded coconut for added chewiness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/12 loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan banana bread is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a few simple accompaniments. Spread a thick layer of vegan butter or nut butter for a creamy contrast.
For a festive touch, drizzle some maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce on top.
Pair it with a warm beverage like chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or classic coffee to complement the spices in the bread. You can also serve slices alongside fresh fruit or vegan yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Looking for more plant-based bread options? Check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a savory twist or try the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a portable treat.
Conclusion
This banana bread vegan recipe for Thanksgiving is a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire. It’s simple, wholesome, and flexible enough to satisfy all palates, whether you’re serving vegans or omnivores.
The fragrant spices and natural sweetness of bananas create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and sets the tone for a cozy celebration.
Embrace the joy of baking this festive loaf and share it with friends and family to make your Thanksgiving extra special. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the indulgent Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to round out your holiday menu.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Banana Bread Vegan Recipe for Thanksgiving
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan banana bread perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. Made with natural ingredients and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 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
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flax egg to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 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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