Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
The Vegan Banana Bread Recipe offers a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, flax egg, and simple pantry staples for a dairy-free and egg-free twist on the classic. Naturally sweetened by the fruit, it's spiced with cinnamon and optional nuts for added texture. This easy bake serves about 10 and is perfect for using up overripe bananas. Versatile for breakfast or snacks, it's forgiving for beginners and customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips. Enjoy the comforting aroma and wholesome taste without any animal products.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or oil for greasing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven Mitts
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil melted (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for refined-sugar-free
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water flax egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. Stir in the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the flax egg mixture until well combined. This base provides the moisture and sweetness that makes the bread so tender.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed. This ensures the leavening agents are spread out for an even rise. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in here for easy incorporation later.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light. The batter will be thick but pourable, ready for the pan.
Prepare the Pan and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the batter in, smoothing the top with a spatula, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Cool and Slice
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and allows flavors to set. Slice once cooled for neat pieces that hold together well.
Notes
When making this Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture, and let the flax egg thicken for better binding. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy. If adding nuts or chips, fold them in gently at the end. Store at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain freshness for a few days.