Vegan Banana Bread (Easy, Only 1 Bowl!)

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.

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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.

Ingredients

This recipe is designed to be balanced and totally accessible. Here is your grocery list:

Wet Ingredients

1. Ripe Mashed Banana (2 cups): Mashed banana is the primary ingredient in banana bread, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor. Bananas also act as a binding agent, helping to hold the bread together without the need for eggs.
2. Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the banana bread. It also contributes to the moist and tender texture of the bread.
3. Maple Syrup (¼ cup): Maple syrup adds additional sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor to the banana bread. It complements the natural sweetness of the bananas and brown sugar.
4. Nondairy Yogurt (½ cup, unflavored and unsweetened): Nondairy yogurt adds moisture, richness, and tanginess to the banana bread. It helps create a tender crumb and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
5. Vegan Butter (¼ cup, melted): Vegan butter adds richness and moisture to the banana bread, mimicking the flavor and texture of traditional butter.
6. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the banana bread, adding a sweet and aromatic undertone.

Dry Ingredients

1. Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the banana bread rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acidic components in the bananas and yogurt, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that expand during baking.
2. Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the banana bread, enhancing its flavor profile.
3. Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Sea salt helps balance the sweetness. It also strengthens the gluten in the flour, contributing to the structure and texture of the bread.
4. Almond Flour (½ cup): Almond flour adds moisture, nuttiness, and richness to the banana bread. It also contributes to the texture, helping to create a soft and tender crumb while adding a subtle almond flavor.
5. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): All-purpose flour serves as the base ingredient in banana bread, providing structure and texture. It helps bind the other ingredients together adds lightness to the finished bread.

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:

These methods can help ripen bananas quickly, but 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!

Here is a quick overview:

1. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas thoroughly with a fork. You want the bananas to resemble wet mush with a few remaining chunks.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add brown sugar, maple syrup, nondairy yogurt, vegan butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until well-combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt to the banana mixture and stir in with fork until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add almond flour and all purpose flour to the bowl and stir until you no longer see any dry ingredients. Do not over-mix. 
4. Add Optional Mix-ins: If you'd like to add any additions to your banana bread (like nuts or chocolate), fold them in gently after the batter comes together.
5. Pour Batter Into Loaf Pan: Pour the prepared banana bread batter into an 8 or 9 inch loaf pan that has been lightly greased and lined with parchment paper. Even out top with a rubber spatula.
6. Bake: Bake banana bread in preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes prior to slicing. 

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Banana Bread

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Check baking soda: Never just assume your baking soda is still good. Many good desserts have been ruined by out of date baking soda.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Let it cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps set the structure and prevents the bread from crumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
• 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.

Storage

Properly storing vegan banana bread helps maintain its freshness and texture. Here's how to do it:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.
2. Wrap or Seal: Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place the bread in an airtight container.
3. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the banana bread within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Place the wrapped or sealed bread in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
4. Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of the banana bread, you can store it in the refrigerator. Keep it wrapped or sealed to prevent it from drying out. Stored properly, banana bread can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
5. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen banana bread can last for up to a month in the freezer.
6. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen banana bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy delicious vegan banana bread for days (or even weeks!) after baking!

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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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