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    Home » All Recipes » The Best Vegan Banana Bread

    The Best Vegan Banana Bread

    Published: Apr 22, 2020 · Modified: May 31, 2020 by Kaylie Grace · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    The BEST vegan banana bread! It’s fluffy, moist, lightly sweet, and delicious every time. This healthy banana bread recipe is made with one bowl and requires 5 ingredients. Put your overripe bananas to good use and enjoy a slice for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or for a healthy dessert. You can add walnuts and chocolate chips, too!

    a stack of vegan banana bread slices with walnuts

    What’s your idea of the best vegan banana bread? Mine is a loaf that’s perfectly moist, light, fluffy, and sweet. Throughout my many years following a vegan diet, I have baked banana bread countless times. And, I’m happy to report that I have successfully narrowed things down to a foolproof recipe that works every time. It’s sweet but not too sugary, moist but not too dense, and fluffy but not too dry.

    You’ll never let a bundle of bananas go to waste once you try this banana bread! Truth be told, I think I subconsciously let my bananas become overripe just so I have to make this recipe. I mean, if I always have an overripe bundle of bananas sitting on my counter, I have no choice but to make this banana bread… ya feel me?!

    This best vegan banana bread recipe is:

    • Vegan, vegetarian, egg-free, and dairy-free
    • Super moist and fluffy
    • Made with one bowl and simple ingredients
    • Freezer-friendly / An easy meal prep snack
    • Kid-approved & great for school lunches
    • Versatile / Add your favorite mix-ins and toppings
    two slices of vegan banana bread on a plate beside a bowl of walnuts and a bowl of sliced banana

    What ingredients are in vegan banana bread?

    • Bananas: The star of the show! Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and magnesium. Plus, they help create a moist texture.
    • Flour: All-purpose flour, also known as plain flour, is best for this recipe. You can replace it with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, though.
    • Brown sugar: Light brown sugar provides a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with overripe bananas.
    • Coconut oil: Instead of butter, we’ll use coconut oil. You can choose refined or unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil has a coconutty flavor while refined coconut oil has no flavor.
    • Almond milk: I prefer almond milk, but any plant-based milk can be used in this recipe. Cashew milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are other options.
    • Vanilla: Don’t skip out on the vanilla! Use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
    • Cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances the flavor and will make your kitchen smell ah-mazing.
    • Baking soda and powder: A combination of baking soda and baking powder help the banana bread rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
    • Salt: Just a dash is needed to balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
    mashed bananas, brown sugar, walnuts, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in white bowls on a marble board

    How to make the best vegan banana bread

    For the full recipe, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

    This easy vegan banana bread recipe requires just one bowl + a loaf pan! First, add the wet ingredients to a large bowl and whisk them together.

    Then, add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to over-mix the batter.

    Next, pour the batter into a loaf pan. Sprinkle on any toppings (such as crushed walnuts or chocolate chips) and bake for up to one hour. After, allow it to cool before slicing and devouring.

    a loaf of bread with one slice cut out of it

    Tips for perfecting this recipe

    Do not over-mix the batter

    If you want to create a light and fluffy loaf of vegan banana bread, it’s important to not over-mix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently fold them together until they just begin to combine.

    The longer you mix the batter, the more the gluten (a protein in the flour) will develop. The result? A dense, rubbery loaf of bread. So, do not over-mix the batter!

    Measure flour the correct way

    Do you scoop flour straight out of the bag? If so, you are probably using way too much flour. Too much flour creates dry banana bread. On the contrary, too little flour will creates unbaked banana bread with a sunken center.

    To properly measure flour, gently spoon it into the measuring cup. Then, level off any excess with a flat object (such as the back of a knife). Do not scoop or pack flour into the measuring cup.

    Check to make sure the center is cooked

    Generally, whenever making a baked good, you should always check to make sure the center is cooked through. To do this, stick a toothpick directly into the center of the banana bread. If it comes out nearly clean, the center is fully cooked. If it comes out wet, continue baking and try again in a few minutes.

    Allow it to cool before slicing

    I know, I know; waiting for a baked good to cool is the hardest part. The kitchen smells amazing and you’re starting to get hungry. Be patient, though! It’s important to allow the banana bread to cool before slicing it. Once cooled, you can freely slice and devour the bread. If you slice it too soon, though, you’ll risk it crumbling and falling apart.

    cross section of a loaf of the best vegan banana bread

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use unripe bananas for banana bread?

    So, you’re craving banana bread but you only have unripe/greenish bananas on hand? If possible, try to wait for the bananas to ripen and take on a spotty peel. Overripe bananas will always be the ideal choice for banana bread. They have the best texture, flavor, and sweetness.

    If you’re feeling really impatient, here are a few options to speed up the ripening process:

    • To ripen within a few days: Place the bundle of bananas in a warm spot or directly in front of a window.
    • To ripen within 24-48 hours: Store the bananas in a paper bag with an apple. Place in a warm spot or in front of a window.
    • To ripen immediately: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place the bananas (with the peel still intact) on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the peel turns black. After, remove bananas from the oven and allow them to cool. Tip retrieved from Food 52. Note: They will take on the texture of overripe bananas, but they won’t be as sweet. Keep this in mind if you plan to use this tip!

    Can bananas be too ripe for banana bread?

    Unfortunately, bananas can indeed be too ripe. If the peel is almost entirely black and the banana is quite mushy inside, it’s probably too ripe. When making banana bread, the ideal banana has a yellow peel with large brown spots all over it. Generally, the peel should be as much brown as it is yellow.

    What to put on top of banana bread

    When it comes to banana bread, I like to keep things simple with either crushed walnuts or chocolate chips on top. However, some delicious options include crushed pecans, coconut flakes, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and brown sugar. These toppings should be sprinkled on just before baking the bread.

    When serving banana bread, enjoy it as is or spread peanut butter, almond butter, or classic vegan butter on top. If you love chocolate, try a hazelnut butter spread – it will taste like an indulgent treat!

    Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    You can replace the all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour. Alternatively, try my Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread or my Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread instead.

    a slice of banana bread with peanut butter spread on top of it
    a stack of vegan banana bread slices with walnuts

    More vegan banana bread recipes

    • Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Bread
    • Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread
    • Banana Bread Granola
    • Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread
    • Banana Bread Pancakes (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    If you try this Vegan Banana Bread, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

    Print
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    a stack of vegan banana bread slices with walnuts

    The Best Vegan Banana Bread

    ★★★★★ 5 from 4 reviews
    • Author: Kaylie Grace
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 50 minutes
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 9 slices 1x
    • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    The BEST vegan banana bread! It’s fluffy, moist, lightly sweet, and delicious every time. This recipe is made with one bowl and healthy ingredients. Enjoy a slice for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a nutritious dessert.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Wet

    • 1.5 cups mashed overripe banana (~3 large bananas)
    • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
    • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil*
    • ¼ cup almond milk
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Dry

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp salt

    Toppings (optional)

    • Crushed walnuts
    • Vegan chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
    2. Add wet ingredients to a large bowl. Whisk together to combine.
    3. Add dry ingredients to the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over-mix the batter; stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
    4. Pour batter into the loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle on any toppings.
    5. Bake banana bread for 50-60 minutes. After, allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

    Notes

    • *If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, add several spoonfuls to a bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds until melted. Then, measure ⅓ cup.
    • Do not over-mix the batter. If you over-mix the batter, the bread will become dense rather than fluffy. The dry ingredients should be gently folded into the wet ingredients. Stop as soon as they combine.
    • To test whether or not the banana bread is cooked through, stick a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out nearly clean, the banana bread is done baking. If not, continue baking for a few minutes longer.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 293
    • Sugar: 23g
    • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Carbohydrates: 47g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 4g

    Keywords: the best vegan banana bread, vegan banana bread

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Aixa

      November 10, 2021 at 11:33 am

      Wow! It is actually the best vegan banana bread on earth. I replaced coconut oil for extra virgin olive oil and it turned perfect! Thanks again for this amazing recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        November 10, 2021 at 2:08 pm

        Woohoo!! Thanks for your positive feedback, Aixa! I’m happy to hear that you loved this vegan banana bread recipe 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jihee

      April 25, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      Hi Kaylie!

      I have enjoyed baking with your recipes so much! Thank you!
      I have one question about your banana bread.
      I would like to make a smaller size of this banana bread, using a pan that’s half the size of the pan in the instruction you gave and half the amount of all the ingredients. So I was wondering if I would need to change the temperature and/or baking time for it.

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        April 25, 2021 at 9:48 pm

        Hi, Jihee! I am so happy to hear you are enjoying my recipes. 🙂 Thank you so much!

        You should be able to halve the recipe with no problem. Surprisingly, halving a recipe does not require a temperature change. Go ahead and bake the banana bread at 350 degrees F. When you cut a recipe in half, the baking time is usually 2/3 to 3/4 of the usual time. This means you will probably bake the banana bread for 35-40 minutes. Your best bet is to keep a close eye on it while it bakes. After 30 minutes, watch it closely! Remember to use the toothpick test to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking the banana bread. If it comes out nearly clean, you can remove the banana bread from the oven. I hope those tips help you out – happy baking! xo

        Reply
    3. Shannon LITTLE

      February 18, 2021 at 8:10 am

      The best banana bread EVER.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        February 18, 2021 at 11:28 am

        Thank you so much, Shannon! So happy you loved it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Francesca

      September 28, 2020 at 6:06 am

      I made this banana bread. It’s simply delicious. My family isn’t vegan and they loved it. I added chocolate chips and walnuts in the dough as well. Thanks for this spectacular recipe. Fluffy and yummy.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 28, 2020 at 11:33 am

        So happy to hear you loved this banana bread! Walnuts and chocolate chips are perfect additions 🙂 Thank you, Francesca! xo

        Reply
    5. Lina

      August 24, 2020 at 1:09 am

      Hai i just tried making your gluten gree banana bread recipe with choco chips and walnuts and I must say they are amazing!!! Thanks for the recipe. May I ask if we can omit the sugar? Do you have any sugar free vegan banana bread recipe?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        August 24, 2020 at 9:09 am

        Hey, Lina! I am so glad you enjoyed that recipe 🙂 If you want to leave a review, you can find that blog post here. The blog post you commented on is for a different banana bread recipe. I do not recommend omitting sugar from either recipe (or any baked good). Sugar changes the texture, level of moisture, and results when baking. It’s not just there for sweetness!

        Reply
    6. Cindy

      July 13, 2020 at 7:10 am

      How can I make this oil free?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        July 13, 2020 at 10:59 am

        Hi, Cindy! I would suggest replacing it with a natural (runny) nut butter. The texture will be a bit different, but the recipe will still work and taste delicious! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Ordinarilyjulia

      July 06, 2020 at 8:01 am

      Yum yum yum!! I absolutely LOVE this recipe!! Highly highly recommend you try this!! In my opinion it tastes better than regular banana bread!! OMG OBSESSED!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        July 06, 2020 at 8:59 am

        Yay!! Thanks so much! I’m happy to hear you loved it! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Clémence Pranger

      June 09, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      This recipe was delicious! Can’t wait to do it again! Thanks Kaylie😍

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 09, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        Thank you, Clémence! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply

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