This is the best vegan banana bread out there and it's so easy to make! Just a few on-hand ingredients will bring this classic recipe together! For a nut-free loaf, replace the walnuts with one of the many add-in options below! This sweet, moist quick-bread will quickly become your favorite go-to vegan banana bread recipe!
Instead of pancakes for breakfast, use up those overripe bananas in this moist and delicious, quick-bread. It's so easy to make! It takes only 9 simple ingredients (no flax-eggs) and less than 15 minutes to bring together.
This flexible recipe can easily be made –oil-free, sugar-free, nut-free and even gluten-free! I've included substitutes for each one in the notes. Plus, there's plenty of reassurance, advice, and success in the comments below making this truly THE BEST vegan banana bread!
How to make Vegan Banana Bread
This recipe comes together in only 5 simple steps!
- Mash the ripe bananas.
- Add the sugar and oil to the bananas.
- Fold in the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the walnuts or any other optional add-in.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan(s) and bake!
Frequently asked questions
How do I make oil-free vegan banana bread? Simply replace the oil with an equal amount of extra mashed banana or applesauce. That's it!
How do I make it gluten-free? The all-purpose flour can easily be replaced with any 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze vegan banana bread? Yes! Allow the bread to cool completely, then store it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the loaf on the counter for 3-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The frozen loaf can also be reheated in the oven at 350ºF for 30-40 minutes or until fully heated throughout.
Can I make banana muffins? Absolutely! Muffins are great for a grab-n-go breakfast. To make banana muffins, evenly divide the batter between 12 muffin liners. Bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes.
For a nut-free loaf, replace the walnuts with one of these mix-in options:
- chocolate chips
- toasted pecans
- pumpkin seeds
- almond slivers
- coconut flakes
- fresh chopped strawberries
- fresh blueberries
- dried cranberries
- chopped dates
Feel free to add more than one mix-in. I love adding chocolate chips and dried cranberries! But, if you're looking for classic banana bread, it's also delicious plain.
Use overripe bananas for best flavor
It's best to use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They will yield a perfectly sweet bread with a perfect banana flavor.
For bananas with less brown spots, taste test them. If they aren’t very sweet increase the sugar 1-2 Tablespoons. If they lack the banana flavor throw them in the trash. Ha! I’m just kidding, they will still produce a deliciously moist loaf with just a bit less banana taste. You can always add in extra nutmeg or a few teaspoons of cinnamon for more flavor.
Don't let those spotty ripe banana's go to waste!
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The Best Vegan Banana Bread
A few on-hand ingredients will bring this easy vegan banana bread together in no time! This super moist, egg and dairy free recipe will be your go-to banana bread! So don't let those ripe bananas go to waste!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas (about 14-15oz or 390g peeled)
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of nutmeg
- a pinch of Himalayan pink salt
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar, or organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil, melted
- 3 Tablespoons chopped walnut pieces
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350ºF, oiling the loaf pan/pans (or line with parchment paper) and chop the walnuts.
- In a medium bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas. Make sure not to leave any big chunks. Small chunks are fine though.
- Add the sugar and oil to the bananas and mix until evenly combined.
- Once the oil and sugar are incorporated, gently fold in the dry ingredients just enough for everything to come together.
- Now, gently fold in your walnut pieces or other add-ins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan/s.
- Bake at 350ºF for 30-40 minutes for mini loaves or 50-60 minutes for 8x4-inch regular loaf. Test the bread with a toothpick for doneness. It will come out clean when the bread is ready. If the bread is still too moist bake at 5 minute intervals until done.
ENJOY!
Notes
- I suggest weighing the bananas for best results.
- When measuring the flour, use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup. Scooping the flour with the measuring cup can cause too much flour to be added.
- Gluten-Free: The all-purpose flour can be replaced with a 1:1 ratio of a gluten-free flour blend, spelt flour or whole wheat flour.
- Sugar Substitutes: Coconut sugar can be replaced with brown sugar or any granulated vegan sugar. For a sugar-free option omit the sugar and use extra sweet/ripe bananas.
- Coconut oil Substitutes: Replace with any neutral baking oil. For oil-free option use an equal amount of applesauce or extra mashed banana.
- Nut-free: Simply omit the nuts or replace with any nut-free option listed above.
- If your bananas seem dry after mashing add a 1/4 cup of non-dairy milk to them after mashing.
- Store the bread in an airtight container or bag. It will keep fresh on the counter for up to 3 days, or a week in the fridge.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 slices Serving Size: 1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 94mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g
**Nutritional info is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients I used and for convenience and as a courtesy only.**
Mini loaves make a great homemade gift.
Bake the batter in paper mini loaf pans. Slip the baked bread into a cellophane treat bag and finish it off with a festive ribbon and gift tag.
You can also use the above method to freeze mini loaves. Simply bake the bread in 3 mini loaf pans. Enjoy one now and freeze the other 2 for later.
Tori
This is the best simplest vegan banana bread. To think it has no milk or egg substitutes! I used very brown bananas so I definitely could’ve cut back the sugar to make it healthier. I also only needed three bananas but sliced the fourth and laid it on top with a sprinkle of brown sugar on them for a caramelization our of this world!!! This is now my go to recipe for banana bread. Thank you!!
Where you get your protein
That’s great to hear, Tori! The caramelized bananas on top sound amazing!!
Alyssa
I made this today. Flavors were wonderful! Any advice --- my center was slightly gummy/chewy. I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. I'm learning that baking gluten free has it's nuances (mix more, flour mixture not balance, add xanthum).
Where you get your protein
Gluten free baking can be tricky! Try baking it a bit longer and poking a toothpick into the center to check if the bread is done. If the toothpick comes out with batter bake it a bit longer. A few small crumbs are ok though. If the batter was on the wet side after mixing, try weighing them out or reducing it to 3 bananas.
Raquel
Can I used oatmeal flour in the same portion instead
Where you get your protein
I have not tried the recipe using oat flour, but I think it should work. I suggest using between 1 and 3/4 to 2 cups oat flour. Adding more (or less) as needed. Let us know how it turns out! :) Enjoy!
Raquel
Thank you for replying! I will let you know! :)
Doug
I have made this recipe approximately 10 times now as full loaves, mini loaves and muffins. The recipe is so easy and the results are aways excellent.
Elaine
Cooking isn’t my strong point, but this recipe came out perfectly! Thank you!
Where you get your protein
That’s wonderful to hear, Elaine!
Danielle
Wow! Made this tonight and it was amazing. I halved the recipe but used a greater amount of brown sugar due to having bananas that weren’t quite overripe yet. Added walnuts in the batter and on top! The bread was dense but fluffy, had great flavor, and if I hadn’t baked it I definitely wouldn’t have guessed it was vegan! Smothered some vegan butter on it right after baking and it was truly amazing. Thank you so much!