Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1/4 cup almond milk; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Ideas

I’m excited to share my Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It's a great way to make use of overripe bananas while ensuring everyone, including those who are plant-based, can enjoy a slice (or two). This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Join me in creating this delicious treat that warms the heart and home.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:49:35.028Z

As I experimented with my Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, I discovered how simple substitutions could create an equally delightful flavor profile. The combination of ripe bananas, almond milk, and a touch of cinnamon made the aroma waft through my kitchen, inviting everyone to come take a slice.

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is—if you don't have a specific ingredient, there's a good chance you can swap it out for something else you have on hand. For example, you can use different plant-based milks, or even whole wheat flour for added texture!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly moist texture that stays fresh for days
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas, so you can skip extra sugar
Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a snack

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Vegan Banana Bread is, of course, the ripe bananas. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, allowing you to use less added sugar. The browner the bananas, the more intense the flavor, so don't hesitate to use ones that are speckled and soft. If you don’t have almonds milk, oat or soy milk are great substitutes that maintain the recipe's vegan integrity while contributing to the bread's tender crumb.

Maple syrup not only sweetens but also adds a rich layer of flavor that complements the bananas beautifully. If you’re looking for alternatives to maple syrup, agave nectar or date syrup can work well, though differences in sweetness may require slight adjustments to the amount used. Remember that vegetable oil facilitates moisture—coconut oil can also be used here for a unique flavor profile.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial to achieving that perfect golden crust and soft interior. It's advisable to place the loaf pan in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. During baking, the bread will rise beautifully; look for golden edges and a firm top. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can lightly cover it with foil halfway through baking.

I recommend testing for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you encounter wet batter on the toothpick, place the bread back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes and check again. Ensuring the bread is not undercooked will help avoid a dense texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious loaf:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your vegan banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. You want them to be very mushy to ensure that they blend well into the batter.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add almond milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy.

Add Nuts

If you're using walnuts, fold them into the batter for extra crunch.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this banana bread by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or experimenting with spices like nutmeg.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Vegan Banana Bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. For extended storage, consider slicing the bread and freezing individual pieces—this makes it easy to grab a slice to toast later, providing a quick breakfast or snack whenever you need it.

Pairing your banana bread with a nut butter or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt can elevate your breakfast experience. I love serving mine warm, with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra touch. You can also try drizzling a bit of vegan chocolate sauce or maple syrup for an indulgent dessert option.

Variations and Add-ins

If you're feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to customize this Vegan Banana Bread. Consider adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist. Fresh or frozen berries can be folded into the batter prior to baking for added freshness and tanginess. For a chocolate twist, mix in vegan chocolate chips, which melt perfectly as the bread bakes.

If walnuts aren't your preference, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or even omit them altogether. You can also enhance the bread's nutritional quality by incorporating chia seeds or flaxseeds. Just remember to balance the extra ingredients with your base mixture to maintain the right consistency of the batter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Just thaw them and make sure to drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg, or a handful of chocolate chips for an indulgent twist!