Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

The Tastiest Vegan Banana Bread Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Baking the perfect vegan banana bread recipe can turn ordinary overripe bananas into a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Rich, moist, and packed with natural sweetness, this plant-based version delivers incredible flavor without dairy or eggs.

Ripe bananas bring exceptional depth to this classic comfort food, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Whole wheat flour adds nutritious complexity to the bread’s texture and taste.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide a subtle, aromatic touch that elevates the entire experience.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking adventures.

Enjoy a slice of this wholesome bread with your morning coffee or as a satisfying afternoon snack.

Reasons to Love This Vegan Banana Bread

  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal techniques and basic ingredients, ensuring success even for those with limited cooking experience.
  • Plant-Powered Nutrition: Packed with ripe bananas and free from animal products, this bread delivers natural sweetness and wholesome goodness in every delightful slice.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal steps and simple mixing method mean you can whip up this delectable treat with minimal fuss, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick homemade treat.

Vegan Banana Bread Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe and soft fruits that give natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Flour: The base that provides structure to the bread.
  • Sugar: Sweet ingredient that enhances overall flavor.
  • Oil or Applesauce: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helpers that make the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the bread.
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and comforting aroma.
  • Walnuts, Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon: Extra elements that boost the bread's taste and texture.
  • Almond Milk: Can adjust the batter's consistency if needed.

How to Bake Soft Vegan Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and give it a generous coating of oil or line it with parchment paper so your bread slides out effortlessly.

Step 2: Transform Bananas

Take ripe bananas and crush them with a fork until they become a smooth, creamy mash in a mixing bowl.

The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Magic

Pour in your chosen liquid ingredients:
  • Oil
  • Vanilla extract

Stir these into the banana mash until everything looks perfectly combined and glossy.

Step 4: Welcome Dry Companions

Sprinkle in your dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gently fold everything together.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – a few lumps are totally welcome.

Step 5: Adjust Moisture

If your batter seems too thick, splash in some almond milk gradually.

You want a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 6: Get Creative

Toss in extra goodies if you’re feeling adventurous:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Patience Pays Off

Let your bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your vegan banana bread!

Pro Tips for Moist and Sweet Vegan Bread

  • Use overripe, spotty bananas with brown patches for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender, mixing just until ingredients are combined.
  • Experiment with add-ins like dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra excitement.
  • Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

How to Store and Warm Up Vegan Banana Bread

  • Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the banana bread's comforting aroma.

Perfect Pairings for Banana Bread

  • Pair Creamy Chai Latte: Brew a warm, spicy chai tea latte with oat milk for a comforting companion that complements the banana bread's sweet, moist texture.
  • Serve with Almond Butter Spread: Enhance the bread's flavor by spreading creamy, slightly salty almond butter on each slice, adding a rich protein boost.
  • Match with Fresh Berry Compote: Create a tangy berry sauce using mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries to cut through the bread's sweetness and add vibrant freshness.
  • Complement with Cold Coconut Yogurt: Top the banana bread with chilled coconut yogurt, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, soft bread.

Creative Add-Ins for Vegan Banana Bread

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Swap white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use extra-ripe bananas for natural sweetness without added sugars.
  • Protein-Packed Banana Bread: Add plant-based protein powder or incorporate ground flaxseeds. Mix in chopped nuts or hemp seeds for additional protein boost.
  • Nut-Free Banana Bread: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Use seed butter instead of nut-based ingredients to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

  • Is this banana bread recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce sugar by using less granulated sugar or replacing it with maple syrup or coconut sugar. Start by reducing sugar by 25% and adjust to taste.

  • What can I use instead of oil?

You can replace oil with unsweetened applesauce, mashed avocado, or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative. Each substitute will slightly change the texture and flavor.

  • How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. Overripe bananas provide more natural sweetness and create a more moist banana bread.

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Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Vegan Banana Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets innovation in this luscious vegan banana bread, where ripe bananas and plant-based ingredients unite for a moist, wholesome treat. Subtle sweetness and rich texture invite you to savor each delightful slice of this classic reimagined.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (210 g) spelt flour
  • 1/3 cup (75 g) organic pure cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch mineral salt

Optional Flour Substitutes:

  • Whole wheat flour
  • All-purpose flour
  • Gluten-free flour blend

Optional Sugar Substitutes:

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dates

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly mash ripe bananas using a fork until they reach a predominantly smooth consistency with minimal chunks.
  3. Incorporate oil (or applesauce) and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, stirring until the wet ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  4. Gradually introduce flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the banana mixture, carefully folding until ingredients are just combined. Maintain a gentle mixing technique to preserve the bread’s tender texture.
  5. Evaluate the batter’s consistency, especially when using alternative flours like whole wheat or spelt. If the mixture appears too dense, gradually introduce almond milk, stirring incrementally until achieving an ideal, smooth texture.
  6. For enhanced flavor and texture, consider gently folding in optional ingredients such as chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
  7. Transfer the prepared batter into the lined loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, monitoring closely. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the bread’s center—a clean removal indicates the bread is fully baked.
  9. Once removed from the oven, allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, promoting structural stability before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
  10. permit the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity and optimal moisture content.

Notes

  • Use super ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Consider swapping some all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour for added nutrition and interesting texture.
  • Test bread’s moisture by pressing gently in center – it should spring back and not leave an indentation when perfectly baked.
  • Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining incredible moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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