Vegan Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that everyone loves. Banana bread has long been a favorite treat, known for its moist texture, rich flavor, and warm, homey aroma. This vegan version is just as soft, sweet, and satisfying—without the need for dairy or eggs. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Tasty Vegan Banana Bread
Here’s everything you need to make a perfectly moist and flavorful vegan banana bread:
1. Main Ingredients:
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3 large ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
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½ cup plant-based milk – Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk work well. Helps create a smooth batter.
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½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar – Adds a rich caramel-like sweetness. You can adjust based on preference.
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¼ cup coconut oil or applesauce – Coconut oil gives a moist texture, while applesauce is a great low-fat alternative.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
2. Dry Ingredients:
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour – All-purpose flour gives a soft texture, while whole wheat makes it more wholesome.
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1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and makes it fluffy.
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½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra lift and lightness.
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½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
3. Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
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½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg – For a warm, spiced taste.
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
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½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips – A delicious twist for chocolate lovers.
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious vegan banana bread that’s soft, moist, and packed with flavor!
Directions for Making Tasty Vegan Banana Bread
Follow these simple steps to make a perfectly moist and flavorful vegan banana bread:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash 3 large ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few small lumps are okay, as they add texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add:
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½ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut)
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½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
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¼ cup melted coconut oil or applesauce
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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(Optional) ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but well incorporated.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If using, fold in:
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
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½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips for sweetness
Step 7: Transfer to the Loaf Pan & Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and prevents crumbling.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and enjoy your delicious, homemade vegan banana bread with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a tasty snack any time of day!
Storage Tips:
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Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.
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Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months—just thaw before eating.
Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls One for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the ripe bananas smoothly.
- Whisk For mixing the wet ingredients evenly.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon To fold the ingredients together without overmixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient measurements.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a bowl, then mix in plant-based milk, sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently, then fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas 🍌 – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined to avoid a dense or tough texture. Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread chewy instead of soft.
- Adjust Sweetness If Needed – If your bananas are extra ripe, you can reduce the added sugar. For natural sweetness, use maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Customize with Add-Ins – Add chopped nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness Properly – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with dry crumbs, it’s done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing – Cooling for at least 10-15 minutes helps the bread set, making slicing easier and preventing it from falling apart.
Tips for the Best Vegan Banana Bread
Follow these expert tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly moist, fluffy, and delicious every time!
1. Use Extra Ripe Bananas 🍌
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are naturally sweeter and mash easily, giving the bread a rich flavor and soft texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread instead of a light and fluffy texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
If your bananas are very ripe, you can reduce the added sugar. For a naturally sweet version, try using maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
4. Add Nuts or Chocolate for Extra Flavor
For crunch and richness, fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. If you love a sweeter touch, mix in dairy-free chocolate chips or raisins.
5. Make It Healthier
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Use whole wheat flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
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Replace coconut oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version.
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Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and nutrients.
6. Check for Doneness the Right Way
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the banana bread is ready! If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.
7. Let It Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slicing too soon can cause it to fall apart.
8. Store It Properly
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
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Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Conclusion
This vegan banana bread recipe is not only incredibly simple to make but also irresistibly delicious. With its moist texture, natural sweetness, and warm flavors, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins, like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying vegan baking for the first time, this foolproof recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, experiment with flavors, and let us know how it turns out—share your feedback or any creative variations you come up with!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!