This Vegan Banana Bread is soft, sweet and beautifully moist. It's so perfectly nostalgic and comes together in only one bowl. This fully customizable recipe is so delicious, no one will be able to tell it's vegan! Let's learn how to make it.
My kids love this banana bread! I keep slices frozen in the freezer for after school snacks! -Bela
Why You'll Love This Vegan Banana Bread
There are few things as comforting as banana bread. I personally find the most solace in cats (actual felines not the musical made uncomfortable-to-watch motion picture), reruns of The Office and books with hilariously out of touch dedications. Banana bread can easily be added to this list.
Nothing beats a great "quick bread" recipe. If my chocolate chip pumpkin bread and vegan lemon loaf don't convince you, this incredible vegan banana bread will. This recipe is very easy to make and requires the use of only 1 bowl.
The combination of all purpose and almond flour gives the bread a beautiful, lightly nutty flavor and the mix of brown sugar and maple syrup provide a very balanced, flavor-filled sweetness. These subtle flavor additions really contribute to the overall profile.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Vegan Banana Bread
- Ingredients
- How to Ripen Bananas Quickly
- How to Make Vegan Banana Bread (with pictures!)
- Tips for Making the Best Vegan Banana Bread
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Optional Banana Bread Mix-Ins
- how to serve
- storage
- vegan banana bread
- more ways to use up ripe bananas
- more breads
Ingredients
This recipe is designed to be balanced and totally accessible. Here is your grocery list:
- Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and the signature banana flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds moisture and caramel-like flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle maple flavor.
- Nondairy Yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and tender while helping with leavening.
- Melted Vegan Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and buttery flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the banana and warm flavors.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a lighter crumb.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the banana.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Almond Flour: Adds moisture, richness, and a soft, tender texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the bread hold its shape.
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How to Ripen Bananas Quickly
If you need to ripen bananas quickly for a recipe such as banana bread, there are a few methods you can try:
Banana Ripening Methods
- Paper Bag Method:
Place the bananas in a paper bag and fold the top to close it. The bananas release ethylene gas as they ripen, and trapping this gas in the bag speeds up the ripening process. Check the bananas periodically until they reach the desired ripeness, usually within 24-48 hours.
- Banana in Rice Method:
Surround the bananas with uncooked rice in a bowl or container. Rice also helps trap the ethylene gas released by the bananas, accelerating the ripening process. Check the bananas after 24 hours to see if they have ripened sufficiently.
- Bake Method:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skins turn black. The heat speeds up the ripening process by breaking down the starches in the bananas. Let the bananas cool before using them in your recipe.
Keep in mind that the bananas may not have the same flavor and texture as naturally ripened ones. It's best to use naturally ripened bananas whenever possible for the best flavor in your recipes.
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread (with pictures!)
For the full instructions and measurements for how to make this vegan banana bread, please skip down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Begin by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, remaining wet ingredients, leaveners and spices. Stir in the flours until just combined. Do not over-mix!
Pour the batter into a 1 pound loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Place pan on the center rack of an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees F (175 C). Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Allow banana bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Banana Bread
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for adding natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Use a combination of flours: For a balanced texture, follow the recipe and use a mix of all-purpose flour and almond flour. Almond flour also adds a nutty flavor and some extra nutrients to the bread.
- Check baking soda: Never just assume your baking soda is still good. Many good desserts have been ruined by out of date baking soda.
- Don't over-mix the batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a tough and dense banana bread.
- Consider Adding Texture: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or vegan chocolate chips for texture and flavor variation. Fold them into the batter gently just until combined.
- Don't open the oven too soon: Avoid opening the oven door too early while baking. Opening the oven too soon can cause the bread to collapse or not rise properly.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Let it cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Wait another 15-20 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps set the structure and prevents the bread from crumbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
The riper, the better! Use bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown for the best sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor.
Yes. You can replace the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, although the texture may be slightly less moist and rich.
You can, especially if your bananas are very ripe. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar will slightly change the sweetness and texture.
A dense loaf can result from using too much flour or overmixing the batter. Measure your flour carefully and mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
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Optional Banana Bread Mix-Ins
Adding mix-ins to banana bread can add flavor, texture, and variety to your recipe. Here are some popular mix-ins you can try:
- Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts
- Chocolate Chips: Vegan chocolate chips or chunks. You can use dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even vegan white chocolate chips. This chocolate chip banana bread recipe is also amazing!
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apricots
- Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds
- Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut
- Spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom
- Citrus Zest: Grated lemon, orange, or lime zest
- Nut Butter Swirls: A spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter
- Jam or Preserves: A dollop of your favorite jam or preserves - strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
how to serve
This vegan banana bread is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up!
- Warm with vegan butter: Gently warm a slice and spread with vegan butter for a simple, classic combination.
- With peanut butter: Add a generous smear of creamy peanut butter for an extra-rich breakfast or snack.
- Drizzled with maple syrup: A little maple syrup adds extra sweetness and pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
- With fresh fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or extra banana for a fresh, colorful topping.
- With vegan whipped cream: Add a dollop for an easy dessert-style treat.
- With vegan ice cream: Warm banana bread topped with a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream makes an especially delicious dessert.
- Add chocolate: Drizzle with melted vegan chocolate or serve with a handful of vegan chocolate chips.
- For breakfast: Pair a slice with coffee or tea for an easy morning treat.
- As a snack: Enjoy a slice at room temperature whenever a banana bread craving strikes.
storage
Room Temperature: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the banana bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To Thaw: Thaw individual slices at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or thaw the entire loaf overnight in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tip: This banana bread can be baked a day ahead and stored tightly covered at room temperature. The flavor and texture are often even better the next day.
If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
Printvegan banana bread
This Banana Bread is fluffy, moist and perfectly sweet. Made in only 1 bowl with staple, household ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
2 cups mashed banana (about 4 bananas)
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup nondairy yogurt, unflavored and unsweetened
¼ cup vegan butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup almond flour
2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and lightly grease and line an 8 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mash: In a large bowl, mash bananas thoroughly with a fork. The bananas should resemble wet mush with a few remaining chunks when you are finished. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, nondairy yogurt, vegan butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until well-combined.
- Mix: Add baking soda, cinnamon and salt to the banana mixture and stir in with fork. Add almond flour and all purpose flour to the bowl and stir until you no longer see any dry ingredients. Do not over-mix.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and even out with a rubber spatula. Bake banana bread in preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes prior to slicing.
Notes
*Banana bread will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month.
*Don't be tempted to take your banana bread out of the oven early! While the top of the loaf may be golden after as little as 30 minutes there is still a lot of baking left to be done. Leave in the oven for at least 1 hour.
more ways to use up ripe bananas
- vegan banana cobbler
- vegan peanut butter banana muffins
- vegan peanut butter banana cupcakes
- vegan banana upside down cake
- vegan strawberry banana cake
My kids love this banana bread! I keep slices frozen in the freezer for after school snacks!
Ugh I need to start doing this!