This vegan banana bread recipe is the only one you’ll ever need! It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banana Bread
This recipe delivers a banana bread that’s:
- Perfectly moist: No dry or crumbly bread here! This recipe guarantees a soft and tender crumb every time.
- Bursting with banana flavor: We use extra ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and that unmistakable banana bread aroma.
- Easy to make: No complicated steps or special equipment needed. Just a few bowls and your oven are all you need to bake up this delicious treat.
- Incredibly versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted with vegan butter, or get creative with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ripe Bananas for Baking - 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the melted vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in extras (optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Banana Bread Batter
Tips for the Best Vegan Banana Bread
- Use extra ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough banana bread. Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Test for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s okay. The bread will continue to cook as it cools.
Vegan Banana Bread in Loaf Pan
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the batter before baking for a warm and comforting flavor.
Vegan Baking Expertise from Chef Anya Sharma
“When making vegan banana bread, it’s important to choose a good quality vegan butter as it contributes to the overall richness and texture of the bread,” advises Chef Anya Sharma, a renowned vegan pastry chef based in vegan cake san diego. “Look for vegan butters that are specifically formulated for baking, as they tend to have a similar fat content and melting point to traditional butter.”
Perfectly Sliced Vegan Banana Bread
Vegan Banana Bread: FAQs
How do I store vegan banana bread?
Store your banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best, you can try substituting it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind that the texture of the bread may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes, you can replace the melted vegan butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for an oil-free version.
“Using overripe bananas not only adds incredible sweetness to your bread, but it also makes the bread naturally moist and helps bind the ingredients together,” adds Chef Sharma.
This vegan banana bread recipe is a delicious and satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy. With its simple instructions and endless variations, it’s sure to become a staple in your vegan baking repertoire.
