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    Home » Desserts

    Vegan Banana Bread

    Published: Nov 18, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    One bowl, one fork, 7 simple ingredients. You can't beat our vegan banana bread. It has a soft crumb that slices perfectly, and it tastes delicious.

    We developed this recipe so that you can make the easiest, best vegan banana bread any time you feel like it without needing complicated vegan ingredients.

    Vegan banana bread slices
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Questions
    • Storage
    • More brunch-friendly recipes
    • More breakfast recipes
    • Recipe

    Banana bread is one of the most beloved quick-bread recipes in the world.

    It was popularised by good marketing efforts from Chiquita (the banana company), who released a Banana's Recipe book in the 1950s to boost banana sales in the USA.

    The recipe was a hit; after all, banana bread tastes delicious, and it's probably the easiest thing to bake ever.

    Our vegan banana bread recipe stays faithful to the original in that we only use simple pantry staples.

    You won't find flax egg, ground flaxseed, aquafaba, or other types of egg replacement here.

    We've done many tests, and we believe that the best vegan banana bread is made by getting the correct ratios of mashed bananas, dry ingredients, and wet ingredients.

    The texture of this banana bread is light, the crumb is firm and easy to slice, it's moist but not excessively, and you won't need to bake it for hours.

    Its taste is sweet but not too much; it's all about a pleasantly natural banana flavor.

    Ps. If you want to learn more about bananas, check out Johnny Harris's video on the very interesting and somewhat controversial history of bananas.

    Banana bread sliced through

    Ingredients

    Ingredients banana and flour

    Bananas

    Try to use ripe or overripe bananas to make the best banana bread. Pick the ones with black spots on the peel.

    If you don't have very ripe bananas, you can use regular ones and add ¼ cup of extra sugar.

    Flour

    We use all-purpose flour.

    If you'd like to make a loaf of more wholesome banana bread, you can use half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour.

    Sugar

    Any sugar works. White sugar, brown sugar, and even coconut sugar, although that is less sweet, so you might need to add 25% more than our doses.

    Admittedly we don't add a lot of sugar to our vegan banana bread cause we like to keep it healthy-ish so we can snack on it.

    Feel free to add more sugar if you like sweeter banana bread.

    We haven't tried with maple syrup.

    Milk

    Any milk works. We like to use non-dairy milk like soy, oat, or almond milk.

    Oil

    We think oil is superior (and healthier) to butter when making quick breads because it produces a lighter and moister crumb.

    You can use any neutral-flavored vegetable oil. We use canola oil. Other good oils are sunflower oil and light olive oil.

    To make the recipe oil-free, you can substitute yogurt, apple sauce, or milk for oil.

    For butter lovers, you can surely add unsweetened melted butter to this recipe instead of oil. Melted coconut oil and vegan butter works too. Please note that butter produces a heavier, denser, and drier loaf.

    Vanilla extract

    Vanilla extract, or the seeds of a vanilla pod, adds a pleasant aroma and depth of flavor, and we recommend it.

    Baking powder

    Baking powder is essential in baking a domed banana bread like the one you see in our picture, with a light, airy crumb.

    Salt (optional)

    You won't taste the salt in this recipe; however, salt does help in bringing the other flavors together and making tastier banana bread with a fuller flavor.

    If you are on a low-sodium diet, keep the salt out.

    What about baking soda?

    We don't use baking soda in banana bread, although that's often used in traditional recipes.

    Baking soda won't help your bread rise much; it'll make it darker on the outside and might even add a strange, unpleasant butter flavor if you add too much of it.

    Try using baking powder instead (which usually contains a small amount of baking soda).

    If you are looking for a more natural alternative to baking powder, then cream of tartar is your best bet.

    What about add-ins?

    Customize your loaf by stirring in your favorite add-ins. We like it with the following:

    • Nuts: check out our banana nut bread recipe. You can use walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
    • Raisins and cranberries: ½ cup.
    • Dark chocolate chips: ½ cup.
    • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
    • Hazelnut chocolate spread: ½ tablespoon per slice to spread on top once baked.

    Equipment

    • This recipe is for a 9 x 5-Inch loaf pan (23cm x 12cm). You can also use an 8 ½ x 4 ½ loaf pan to make a taller and narrower loaf.
    • Mixing bowl
    • Fork
    Vegan banana bread with nutella

    Instructions

    Make the batter

    Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or brush it with oil.

    In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana with a fork until you get it into a pureed consistency.

    mashed banana

    Add milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with the fork until well combined.

    Banana bread batter

    Add flour, salt, and baking powder to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.

    Don't over-mix the batter; lumps are ok. Overmixing will develop the gluten that will make your loaf gummy and heavy.

    Tip: the batter should be pretty dense and bready.

    Tip: Avoid using your whisk, electric mixer, hand mixer, and stand mixer; you'll risk overmixing the batter. A fork is more than enough.

    Banana bread batter with fork

    At this stage, you could add some add-ins if you like.

    For instance, chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or both. Fold them in with the fork without over-mixing.

    Bake the banana bread

    Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake immediately at 350°F or 180°C for about 40 to 50 minutes.

    Tip: don't overbake, or the loaf will dry out. Check doneness at the 40-minute mark by inserting a wooden toothpick or skewer in the center. If it comes out dry, the vegan banana bread is ready. If not, keep baking in 2.5-minute increments.

    Banana bread before baking

    Let the banana bread cool down for 15 minutes in the loaf pan, pull it out, and let it cool down completely on a cooling rack (at least 1 hour).

    Banana bread after baking

    Slice with a bread knife and enjoy this classic banana bread. We recommend 0.8-Inch or 2-cm thick slices.

    Vegan banana bread serving

    Variations

    Banana muffins

    Our favorite variation of banana bread is vegan banana bread muffins. Make them with the same batter. You should be able to make 12.

    As with regular banana bread, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips, and if you want them extra tall and fluffy, add 1 more teaspoon of baking powder.

    Banana muffins batter

    To bake banana bread muffins, use a standard 12-muffin tin (o two 6-muffin tins like in our case), and line it with muffin liners or squares of parchment paper if you don't have the liners.

    Fill in the muffin tins almost to the top. You can use a spoon to do that.

    Vegan banana bread muffins

    Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F or 180°C for about 20 to 23 minutes. Let the banana muffins cool down before eating them.

    Banana muffins inside

    Banana nut bread

    banana nut bread slices on a serving platter

    Want to make this recipe with nuts? Walnuts taste delicious with the banana, and we think they are the best add-in for banana bread. The recipe is also dairy- and egg-free.

    Check out our banana nut bread recipe.

    Questions

    Are bananas ever too ripe for banana bread?

    If your bananas are entirely black inside, have lost all texture, and taste funny, then they are probably too ripe for banana bread.

    Can you make gluten-free banana bread?

    Yes. To do that, use a gluten-free flour blend made for baking cakes.

    Do you put eggs in banana bread?

    Many recipes call for large eggs in banana bread. However, we find that there is no need to add eggs to make a delicious banana bread loaf.

    How do you keep banana bread moist?

    We recommend using oil instead of butter to keep your banana bread moist. Also, don't overbake the loaf, and wrap it well in plastic once it has cooled down.

    How do you know when bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?

    There are two ways to tell when bananas are ripe enough for banana bread:
    1) visually, if they have dark spots on their peel, they are ripe enough.
    2) taste them; If they are soft and sweet, then you can use them for banana bread.

    Storage

    Room temp or fridge: Vegan banana bread keeps well on the counter for about 3 - 4 days or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Either way, wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh and moist.

    Freezer: you can freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools down completely, then wrap it in plastic and freeze. You can cut it in slices before freezing if you'd like single portions.

    Thaw in the microwave or at room temperature over several hours. Do not freeze multiple times.

    More brunch-friendly recipes

    • Oat muffins for a naturally sweet and nourishing brunch.
    • Quick vegan french toast with fresh berries and syrup drizzled on top.
    • Oatmeal pancakes: light and airy, served with apple compote.
    • Fluffy pancakes served with apple-raisin compote or fresh banana on top.
    • Vegan cinnamon rolls with frosting for special occasions, such as holidays and Sunday mornings.
    • Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
    • Vegan Pancakes
    • Oatmeal Pancakes
    • Oat Flour Muffins

    More breakfast recipes

    Serve them for brunch, breakfast, or as a meal - these recipes are protein-rich and satiating:

    • Vegan frittata with roasted zucchini, a 15-minute savory breakfast idea.
    • Vibrant chickpea muffins with veggies: colorful, tasty, and nourishing savory muffins.
    • Easy 5-min tofu scramble with mushrooms, served on bread with sliced avocado.
    • Bircher muesli with grated apple and almonds.
    • Vegan frittata - no eggs, no tofu
    • Chickpea Frittata Muffins
    • Tofu Scramble
    • Bircher Muesli

    For many more breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast category page.

    Recipe

    Vegan banana bread on cutting board

    Vegan Banana Bread

    Author: Nico
    One bowl, one fork, 7 simple ingredients. You can't beat our vegan banana bread. It has a soft crumb that slices perfectly, and it tastes delicious.
    We developed this recipe so that you can make the easiest, best vegan banana bread any time you feel like it without needing complicated vegan ingredients.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 8 votes
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 55 mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 slices
    Calories 194 kcal

    Equipment

    • Loaf pan 9 x 5 inch (23 cm x 12 cm)

    Ingredients
     
     

    WET INGREDIENTS

    • 3 ripe bananas 330 grams, 12 ounces, or 1⅓ cup mashed
    • ¼ cup milk any, we use soy milk
    • ¼ cup canola oil or other neutral flavored oil
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    DRY INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teapsoon salt

    ADD-INS

    • ½ cup walnuts chopped coarsely
    • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or brush it with oil.
      loaf pan lined with parchment paper
    • In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork.
      mashed banana
    • Add milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with the fork until well combined.
      Banana bread batter
    • Add flour, salt, and baking powder to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
      Don't over-mix the batter; lumps are ok. Overmixing will develop the gluten that will make your loaf gummy and heavy.
      Banana bread batter with fork
    • Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
      Bake at 350°F or 180°C for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.
      Banana bread before baking
    • Let cool down for 15 minutes in the loaf pan, pull it out, and cool down completely on a wire rack (at least 1 hour).
      Banana bread after baking
    • Slice with a bread knife. We recommend 0.8-Inch or 2-cm thick slices.
      Vegan banana bread sliced

    Video Recipe

    Easy Banana Bread (1 bowl, 1 fork)

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for one slice of vegan banana bread out of 12 slices, without add-ins.
     

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Banana Bread
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 194 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 0.4g3%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Potassium 201mg6%
    Carbohydrates 34g11%
    Dietary Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 12g13%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 37IU1%
    Vitamin B6 0.1mg5%
    Vitamin C 3mg4%
    Vitamin E 1mg7%
    Vitamin K 3µg3%
    Calcium 41mg4%
    Folate 53µg13%
    Iron 1mg6%
    Manganese 0.2mg10%
    Magnesium 13mg3%
    Zinc 0.2mg1%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

    You might also like the following:

    • 43 Plant-Based Desserts
    • Vegan custard (pastry cream)
    • 40 Vegan Pasta Recipes
    • Vegan Carrot Cake
    « Banana Nut Bread
    Mashed Potatoes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Holly

      November 13, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Nico, another delicious recipe from Plant Based School:)

      Reply
      • Nico

        November 13, 2022 at 3:03 pm

        Hi Holly, thanks so much for coming back to leave a comment - I'm delighted you liked it!! Have a great Sunday. Cheers, Nico

        Reply
    2. Dipti

      April 04, 2022 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Dear Nico,
      Thank you for taking the time to explain the recipe so clearly. I followed your exact instructions and it came out exactly as you have described it. It's the best banana loaf I have ever tasted or made. Very tasty, quite light, sliceable, manageable, even toastable! I must admit that I added almond essence instead of vanilla, by error because I got the bottles mixed up, but it's worth a try. The taste is really lovely.

      thank you....

      Reply
      • Nico

        April 04, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Hi Dipti, thank you for your kind comment. Wow, I'm so happy you like the loaf (despite the almond essence, actually quite a good idea!). Have an amazing day! Cheers, Nico

        Reply
        • Anonymous

          October 09, 2022 at 4:59 am

          5 stars
          Thank you this looks amazing. Do you think applesauce would work in place of the oil?

          Reply
          • Nico

            October 09, 2022 at 8:03 am

            Hi there! Yes you can. To be honest, we haven't tried with the banana bread but with the zucchini bread and it worked very well! Cheers, Nico

            Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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