If you’re looking for a delicious, wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert, this vegan banana bread recipe is just what you need. Made with ripe bananas, wholesome flour, and natural sweeteners, it’s not only incredibly moist and flavorful but also entirely plant-based.
Whether you’re vegan, allergic to eggs and dairy, or simply trying to eat healthier, this banana bread offers a wonderful alternative to traditional recipes without compromising on taste or texture.
The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time to whip up a loaf that’s bursting with natural sweetness and comforting warmth.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or your favorite spices. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan banana bread recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy and budget-friendly.
The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for refined sugars or oils.
Additionally, the bread has a tender crumb and rich flavor, thanks to the perfect balance of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s also incredibly adaptable—you can add walnuts, vegan chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
And finally, it’s a healthier baked good option, packed with fiber and free from eggs, dairy, and artificial additives.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (medium to large, mashed)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 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 (optional)
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Oven
- 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 bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently with a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop once all flour streaks disappear.
- If using add-ins, fold them in now. Walnuts or vegan chocolate chips add delightful texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For extra moist banana bread, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re naturally sweeter and softer.
If you want to make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
You can also experiment with different mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of almond butter to personalize your loaf. For a nut-free version, omit nuts and add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of plant-based milk or a pinch of ground ginger.
Wondering what else you can bake vegan? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat, or try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to expand your vegan baking skills.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12th loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 160 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugars | 12 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple accompaniments. Spread a thin layer of vegan butter or nut butter for a creamy touch.
For a breakfast treat, serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or alongside a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or coffee.
It also works wonderfully as a snack paired with fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut yogurt. If you want to get creative, try slicing it into cubes and toasting them lightly to add to vegan yogurt parfaits or salads, or even use it as a base for vegan French toast.
Conclusion
This vegan banana bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a wholesome, plant-based twist. It’s easy to make, packed with natural sweetness, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a reliable, crowd-pleasing staple that fits perfectly into any lifestyle.
Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite mix-ins and spices to make it uniquely yours. And if you’re interested in expanding your vegan cooking repertoire, be sure to explore other delicious recipes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy baking and enjoy every delicious slice!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Banana Bread
Description: A moist and flavorful banana bread made without any animal products. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate 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 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 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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