Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Favorites

I love making this Vegan Banana Bread Recipe because it brings a sense of comfort and warmth to my kitchen. With ripe bananas and a few pantry staples, I can whip up a delightful treat that satisfies my sweet tooth without any animal products. It's moist, fluffy, and has a wonderful flavor that everyone enjoys. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize with nuts or chocolate chips, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s for breakfast or a snack, this banana bread always hits the spot.

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:49:34.115Z

Whenever I have overripe bananas sitting on my counter, I feel inspired to make this delectable Vegan Banana Bread. The smell of it baking makes my home feel inviting and reminds me of lazy weekend mornings. I've experimented with various ingredients, but I've found that using coconut oil makes the bread incredibly moist without impacting the flavor.

One tip I’ve learned is to mash bananas really well and let the batter sit for a few minutes before pouring it into the loaf pan. This really enhances the flavor and texture! It's the perfect recipe to share with friends or enjoy on my own with a cup of coffee.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that's hard to resist
Rich banana flavor complemented by warm spices
Simple and quick to make with minimal ingredients

      

Mastering the Banana Bread Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in vegan banana bread hinges on the ripeness of your bananas. The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots—this indicates their sugars have developed. This sweetness helps compensate for the absence of eggs, providing moisture and a tender crumb.

Another key to achieving a moist loaf is incorporating the melted coconut oil thoroughly. This fat not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a lighter and fluffier texture. Be sure to mix it in when the bananas are still warm to create an emulsion that traps air bubbles, which help the bread rise during baking.

Customizing Your Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily personalize it to suit your taste preferences. For a nutty crunch, opt for walnuts or pecans, adding them just before baking. If you're a chocolate lover like me, dairy-free chocolate chips bring a fudgy depth that pairs beautifully with the banana's sweetness. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and complexity.

If you're looking to reduce sugar or play with flavors, consider substituting the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique twist. Just remember to decrease the liquid slightly if you make this switch, as these syrups add moisture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create the perfect loaf of vegan banana bread.

Vegan Banana Bread Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined for a delicious banana bread.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your vegan banana bread.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Add the dry ingredients

Stir in the baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Incorporate add-ins

If desired, add in walnuts and/or chocolate chips, folding them into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove from oven, allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade vegan banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. This banana bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save one for later.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your vegan banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to extend its shelf life, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits, and it will remain good for up to three months.

When you're ready to indulge in your frozen banana bread, simply remove the desired number of slices and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick reheat, gradually increasing the time in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your banana bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Gentle folding is key—mix until just combined to keep the air incorporated. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh; expired baking soda can result in a heavy loaf that fails to rise properly.

Another common issue is uneven baking. Ensure you place your loaf pan in the center of the oven, and avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can lead to a collapse. Always use a toothpick to check for doneness, inserted into the center; it should come out clean with only a few moist crumbs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.

→ What can I use instead of coconut oil?

You can use any neutral oil, such as vegetable oil or melted vegan butter.

→ How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a binding agent.

→ Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix in some blueberries or chopped apples for a different flavor profile.