Vegan banana bread is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Whether you’re new to plant-based baking or an experienced vegan, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making vegan banana bread from scratch.
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Ingredients for Vegan Banana Bread
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas — the riper, the better (brown spots are ideal).
- 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil or any other neutral vegetable oil.
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar for natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour — you can also substitute with whole wheat or a gluten-free blend.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to add extra lift and ensure a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon — optional but highly recommended for warmth and spice.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips to satisfy chocolate lovers.
- 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Instructions for Making Vegan Banana Bread
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect vegan banana bread:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when the banana bread goes in, allowing for even baking.
Next, grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the loaf once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until they form a smooth, slightly chunky puree.
The bananas are the star of this recipe, and their ripeness will determine the sweetness of your bread, so make sure they’re soft and full of flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. The coconut oil provides moisture and richness, while the maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which will give your banana bread a light and fluffy texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix the batter — just combine until no large streaks of flour remain.
Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf, which we want to avoid. The key to a perfect loaf is light stirring, just enough to combine everything.
Step 6: Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins
At this point, if you’re adding any mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, fold them into the batter. These ingredients give your banana bread extra texture and flavor, making it more satisfying and fun to eat. Make sure to spread them evenly throughout the batter for the best results.
Step 7: Pour into the Loaf Pan
Transfer the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that the top of the loaf is smooth. If desired, sprinkle a few extra nuts or chocolate chips on top for decoration.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is ready.
Halfway through the baking process, you may want to check the loaf to ensure it’s baking evenly. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once your vegan banana bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
This step is important because cutting into hot banana bread can make it crumble. Cooling allows the loaf to set, making it easier to slice.
Tips and Variations
Making vegan banana bread is a fun and flexible process. Here are a few tips and variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Sugar-Free Option: Swap maple syrup for an unsweetened applesauce to reduce the sugar content while keeping the loaf moist.
- Add Spices: For a spicier banana bread, add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Banana Muffins: To make banana muffins instead of a loaf, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes.
How to Store and Serve
Once your banana bread has cooled, you can serve it immediately or store it for later. Here’s how to ensure it stays fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the bread in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them up in the toaster for a quick snack.
For serving, pair your vegan banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banana Bread
This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas shines through, and with just the right amount of oil and maple syrup, you’ll get a perfectly moist and soft loaf every time.
Best of all, this vegan banana bread is a healthier option than most traditional versions, as it avoids processed sugars and fats. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and makes for a delicious, homemade treat that everyone — vegan or not — will enjoy.
