Are you looking for a delicious and healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this delicious vegan banana bread! Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just want to add more plant-based options to your diet, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food without any animal products.
This vegan banana bread recipe is delicious, fluffy, and super simple to make. It’s ideal for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. It’s also a fantastic way to use up any overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
With a few simple ingredients and little prep work, you can make a loaf of banana bread that is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you eat it plain, with a spread of vegan butter, or with a sprinkle of maple syrup, this banana bread will quickly become a household favorite. Check out the recipe and start baking.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and dairy-free chocolate chips if using.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Additional Tips for Perfect Vegan Banana Bread:
- Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid dense banana bread, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour directly into the cup.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough banana bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender loaf.
- Add Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor: Customize your banana bread with a variety of mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, or even a swirl of nut butter.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your banana bread around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Let It Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the texture set and makes it easier to slice.
- Store Properly: To keep your banana bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave or oven.
- Experiment with Flour Alternatives: For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. These alternatives can add a different texture and nutritional benefits.
- Use Natural Sweeteners: If you prefer less processed sweeteners, substitute the maple syrup with agave syrup, date syrup, or even mashed dates for a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Enhance with Spices: Along with cinnamon, consider adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give your banana bread a unique and aromatic flavor profile.
- Make Muffins Instead: If you prefer individual portions, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Create a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle a mixture of rolled oats, chopped nuts, and a bit of brown sugar on top of the batter before baking.