Vegan Banana Bread – Easy and Moist Recipe

by

The Ultimate Vegan Banana Bread Recipe – Easy, Moist, and Delicious

If you’re craving banana bread but need a plant-based option, this vegan banana bread recipe is for you! It’s perfectly moist, flavorful, and easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or just looking for a healthy, egg-free twist on a classic, this recipe won’t disappoint.

Bananas are a fantastic ingredient for baking as they provide natural sweetness and moisture while adding fiber and essential nutrients. To learn more about the health benefits of bananas.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banana Bread

This vegan banana bread is:

  • Simple to Make: You only need one bowl and 10 minutes of prep time.
  • Healthy and Delicious: Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and optional natural sweeteners.
  • Versatile: Customize it with nuts, seeds, or vegan chocolate chips.

Ingredients for Vegan Banana Bread

Essential Ingredients

  • 3–4 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil, neutral oil, or applesauce (oil-free option)
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)

Optional Add-Ins

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
  • A handful of vegan chocolate chips for extra indulgence
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

How to Make Vegan Banana Bread

This one-bowl recipe is foolproof and beginner-friendly!

1. Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  2. Add the oil (or applesauce), sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

  1. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing!

4. Add Customizations

  • Fold in vegan chocolate chips, nuts, or spices as desired.

5. Bake the Bread

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

  • Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This prevents it from being gummy and ensures clean slices.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Banana Bread

Follow these tips to ensure your banana bread is perfectly moist and flavorful every time:

  • Use very ripe bananas: Look for bananas with brown spots, as they are naturally sweeter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread dense. Mix until just combined.
  • Accurate measurements: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid adding too much. Learn how to measure flour correctly here.

Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly customizable! Here are some variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:

Healthier Options

  • Use whole wheat flour or spelt flour for added fiber.
  • Replace sugar with maple syrup or date paste.
  • Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutrient boost.

Indulgent Twists

  • Add a handful of vegan chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Swirl in peanut butter or almond butter before baking.

Dietary Alternatives

  • Oil-Free: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs About Vegan Banana Bread

Can I freeze vegan banana bread?

Yes! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

What can I use instead of oil?

Replace oil with applesauce or mashed avocado for a lower-fat version.

How do I ripen bananas quickly?

Place bananas in a brown paper bag to speed up ripening. Alternatively, bake them at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until the peels turn black.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf. Stir only until the flour is incorporated.

Conclusion

This vegan banana bread recipe is the perfect combination of easy, moist, and delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this plant-based recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s incredibly versatile—enjoy it plain, with nuts, or with vegan chocolate chips for a special treat.

 

So grab those ripe bananas and get baking! You’ll love every slice of this plant-based classic.

Happy baking! 🌱

 

Leave a Comment