Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Ideas

I love making this Vegan Banana Bread because it perfectly captures the essence of comfort food without any dairy or eggs. Each time I bake it, I’m reminded of the warmth and sweetness that a good banana bread brings. The bananas not only sweeten the loaf but also keep it moist, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for using those ripe bananas lingering on your counter.

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:57:35.162Z

Making this Vegan Banana Bread is an experience that brings joy to my kitchen. The aroma of baking bananas fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. I often experiment by adding nuts or dark chocolate chips to elevate the flavor, and each variation brings something special. I love that it requires no special ingredients, just simple pantry staples.

One tip I’ve found useful is to let the bananas get really ripe; the more brown spots they have, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll make your bread. This small detail significantly enhances the taste, ensuring you end up with a moist and deliciously rich loaf.

        Why You Will Love This Vegan Banana Bread
        Incredibly moist and tender from ripe bananas
Simple ingredients with no special equipment needed
A delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking

      

Understanding the Role of Bananas

Ripe bananas are the star ingredient in this vegan banana bread, not only providing natural sweetness but also contributing to its moist texture. The sugars in the bananas caramelize during baking, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread. It's best to use bananas that have brown spots on their skin; they might look overripe, but their sweetness is perfect for this recipe. If you run out of ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple.

Additionally, the mashed bananas replace eggs in this recipe, acting as a binding agent. This ensures that the structure of the bread remains intact while keeping it entirely plant-based. When mashing the bananas, ensure there are no large chunks left, as this could affect the texture of your final product. A smooth banana puree is ideal for achieving that tender crumb.

Making the Perfect Batter

Blending the wet and dry ingredients properly is crucial for achieving a light and airy loaf. After mixing the bananas with the oil and vanilla, it’s essential to pour in the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay; they’ll bake out, leaving you with a delightful batter that rises beautifully in the oven.

If you decide to incorporate nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at the end. These additions not only introduce flavor and crunch but can also affect the overall moisture of the bread. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to maintain the vegan integrity of the recipe, and remember that adding too many mix-ins might hinder the rise of the bread, so keep an eye on the quantity.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delightful Vegan Banana Bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a perfect loaf of banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Vegan Banana Bread:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted coconut oil. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar.

Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Optional Ingredients

If desired, fold in walnuts and chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Now you have a delicious loaf of Vegan Banana Bread to enjoy at any time!

Pro Tips

For best results, use very ripe bananas
this will enhance the flavor and sweetness. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to take out only what you need without thawing the entire loaf. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

If you notice your bread becoming dry after a couple of days, try toasting it slightly before serving. This adds a touch of warmth and revives the moist texture. Alternatively, serve it with a spread, such as almond butter or coconut cream, to enhance its flavor and moisture.

Variations to Try

This vegan banana bread is an excellent base for various flavor combinations. Consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the aroma and taste. A teaspoon of cinnamon can warm up your loaf, while nutmeg adds a nutty undertone that complements the sweetness of the bananas wonderfully. These spices can be mixed right in with the dry ingredients, making it easy to experiment with your preferred flavors.

If you're looking to create a healthier version, swap out half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. This substitution will provide extra fiber and nutrients without compromising the texture too much. Just be mindful that whole wheat flour might require slightly more liquid, so keep an eye on consistency as you mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.

→ How can I store the banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and it should work well.

→ What can I add for flavor variations?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.