Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

If you love soft, moist, bakery-style banana bread but want a plant-based version, this vegan banana bread recipe will become your new favorite. It’s made with simple pantry staples, naturally sweet ripe bananas, and zero dairy or eggs, yet it delivers the same rich flavor and tender crumb as classic banana bread. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a longtime vegan, this recipe guarantees a foolproof loaf that turns out perfect every time.

Banana bread is one of the easiest homemade bakes because the ingredients are simple, the method is quick, and the results are incredibly satisfying. The natural sweetness of the bananas, combined with brown sugar and warm spices, makes this loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, it stays soft for days and freezes beautifully. This recipe is plant-based, dairy-free, and egg-free and can easily be made nut-free or gluten-free.

If you enjoyed these Gluten-Free Banana Bread Muffins, you’ll also love my Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies and Gluten-Free Monkey Bread both easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Vegan Banana Bread

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Fork or banana masher
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Cooling rack

How to Make Vegan Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and texture. Dark, spotty bananas give sweetness and rich moisture.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, brown sugar, oil, plant milk, and vanilla. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon directly into the bowl of wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and add a sliced banana on top for aesthetics.

Step 6: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Cooling helps the bread firm up and slice cleanly.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy thawing.

Tips for the Best Vegan Banana Bread

1. Use very ripe bananas. The darker, the sweeter and softer your loaf will be.

2. Don’t overmix the batter. This prevents toughness.

3. Measure flour properly. Spoon and level for accuracy.

3. Use room-temperature ingredients. Helps the batter blend smoothly.

4. Add crunchy topping. Sprinkle with nuts or a little sugar for a bakery-style crust.

5. Make it gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Nutrition 

• Calories: 195kcal
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Potassium: 180mg

More Vegan Recipes To Try

• Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup
• Vegan Eggnog Cheesecake
• Matcha Brownies Recipe
• Turnip Green Soup

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

A: Yes! Thaw them first, drain excess liquid, and mash.

2. Why is my banana bread dense?

A: Overmixing the batter or using underripe bananas can result in a dense loaf.

3. Can I replace oil with applesauce?

A: Absolutely. Use equal amounts for an oil-free version.

4. Is vegan banana bread healthy?

A: It uses whole ingredients and contains no dairy or eggs. You can make it healthier by reducing sugar or adding nuts and seeds.

Conclusion

This vegan banana bread is soft, moist, and full of rich banana flavor without a single animal product. It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With simple ingredients and endless variations, it’s a must-have recipe for anyone who loves plant-based baking. Whether you’re vegan or just exploring dairy-free options, this loaf guarantees delicious results every time.