Banana bread is a classic comfort food loved by many, and this best vegan banana bread recipe takes that beloved treat to a plant-based level without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to dairy and eggs, or simply want a healthier alternative, this recipe offers a moist, flavorful loaf with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a hint of warm spices.
This banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
You’ll find that the bread is tender, slightly sweet, and has a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and coziness. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of banana flavor and a subtle crunch from optional walnuts or chocolate chips.
Ready to bake something delicious, wholesome, and completely vegan? Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can make it at home today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan banana bread is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses naturally sweet ripe bananas, which means you can cut back on added sugars without compromising on taste.
The bread stays moist for days, unlike many traditional recipes that dry out quickly.
It’s incredibly easy and quick to make, requiring no special vegan substitutes like aquafaba or commercial egg replacers. Instead, simple ingredients like flaxseed meal create a perfect egg alternative that binds everything together beautifully.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, dried fruits, or vegan chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
It’s also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, reducing food waste — a win-win!
For more delicious plant-based baking ideas, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 3 medium (about 1 1/2 cups) |
| Flaxseed meal (egg substitute) | 3 tbsp |
| Water | 9 tbsp (for flax eggs) |
| All-purpose flour (can substitute half with whole wheat) | 1 3/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Granulated sugar or coconut sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil | 1/4 cup |
| Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Vegan chocolate chips (optional) | 1/3 cup |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or whisk (for mixing flax eggs)
- Large spoon or spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the flax eggs: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 9 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining for texture.
- Add the thickened flax eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently using a spatula just until everything is combined — don’t overmix or the bread may become dense.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts and/or vegan chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
To make this banana bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check if your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Try adding mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds to customize your loaf. For a tropical twist, add some mashed pineapple or shredded mango.
For a healthier variation, replace half the flour with whole wheat or oat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
If you want a more decadent treat, drizzle warmed vegan caramel sauce over slices or serve with vegan cream cheese spread.
Curious about other vegan baking recipes? You might enjoy our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore delicious plant-based meals with Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12 of loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan banana bread is delightful on its own or paired with a variety of toppings. For breakfast, try spreading natural almond or peanut butter for added protein and richness.
It also pairs beautifully with vegan yogurt and fresh berries to create a balanced and satisfying morning meal. For a dessert option, serve warm slices with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or drizzle with melted vegan chocolate.
Leftovers can be toasted lightly for a crunchy edge and enjoyed with jam or fruit preserves. It’s a versatile treat that works well for any time of day.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this best vegan banana bread recipe offers a simple, delicious way to enjoy a classic baked good while sticking to plant-based ingredients. With its moist texture, natural sweetness, and rich banana flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
By using wholesome ingredients and easy methods, you can feel good about every bite. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility means you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and toppings to make it uniquely yours.
For more inspiring vegan recipes that complement this banana bread, visit our guide on Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or explore other sweet treats in our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Happy baking and enjoy your vegan banana bread adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan banana bread that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients for a healthy treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 31 g
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