Easy Vegan Banana Bread (Perfectly Delicious) — Becoming You With Julie (2024)

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This Easy Vegan Banana Bread is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a perfectly delicious family tradition that’s as simple as special.

It’s what we bake together on Sunday mornings, pack in lunchboxes for a happy surprise, and one of my favorite ways to use up ripe bananas. It’s soul-soothing delicious, and somehow, always seems to be exactly what is needed.

Whether I’m looking for something sweet and comforting with a warm cup of herbal tea or want a quick treat for the kids, it’s a recipe I always come back to.

In our house, we don’t often have issues with overripe bananas because they’re usually frozen for smoothies. So, I typically buy extra bananas, knowing they won’t go to waste. It’s a small but intentional act in my weekly meal planning.

And when I’m particularly on top of my game, I buy 30-pound boxes of bananas for a bulk discount and freeze them for later. It’s a straightforward approach to meal planning that keeps things easy and delicious smoothies flowing in my kitchen.

Good-for-You Ingredients In Vegan BananaBread

This one-bowl banana bread uses simple ingredients that make it easy and quick.

• Ripe Bananas: A source of natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure to use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots! If using frozen, make sure to completely thaw them out and remove any excess liquid.
  Packed with potassium, vitamin C, and B6, they contribute to heart health and provide essential nutrients for energy.

• Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: Maple syrup offers antioxidants and minerals like zinc, supporting immune health. Brown sugar contains trace minerals from molasses, adding a nutritional boost.

• Avocado or Coconut Oil: Avocado or Coconut Oil: Coconut is my favorite as it adds a wonderful flavor to the bread. You could also use canola oil or vegan butter.
  Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Coconut oil contains MCTs, supporting metabolism and energy levels.

• Whole Wheat Pastry Flour or All-Purpose Flour: I switch up the flours, depending on the occasion. If I want it a bit more healthy I use whole wheat pastry flour and if I’m making it for others to enjoy, I use all-purpose flour.
  Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, promoting digestion and satiety. All-purpose flour, though more refined, contributes to the bread’s light texture and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.

• Baking Soda, Vanilla, & Spices: Baking staples for lots of flavors.
  Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg offer antioxidants and flavor.

• Walnuts: Optional but add a delicious crunchy texture. You could also use pecans or even almonds or hazelnuts.
  Nuts are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain health and reducing inflammation.

• Vegan Chocolate Chips: These add a decadent touch but totally optional.
  Can provide antioxidants, especially if you choose dark chocolate chips, which are known for heart-health benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. In a large bowl, begin by mashing the ripe bananas. Add your choice of maple syrup or brown sugar (which adds moisture and richness to the mix), along with the oil and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well combined and smooth.

3. To the same bowl with your wet mixture, sift in the flour and baking soda, then sprinkle in the spices. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined, being mindful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.

4. If you're adding walnuts, vegan chocolate chips, or any other preferred mix-ins, fold them into the batter at this point, distributing them evenly throughout.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is done.

6. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps with the removal process. Afterwards, gently transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Customization Tips

• Flour Variations: Experiment with different types of flour to see how they affect the texture and flavor.

• Add-Ins: Apart from walnuts and chocolate chips, try dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter for an extra flavor boost.

• Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the batter with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a crunchy crust.

Variations

• Blueberry Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a delicious twist.

• Peanut Butter or Almond Butter Banana Bread: For a creamy, nutty flavor, fold in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter or almond butter into the batter. This makes the bread extra moist and infuses each slice with nut butter.

• Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread: Before adding the batter to the pan, mix 1/4 cup of the batter with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Dollop this chocolate mixture on top of the rest of the batter and use a knife to swirl it in for a marbled effect.

Serving and Storage

• Serving: Enjoy this banana bread warm, as is, or with a spread of vegan butter or peanut butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of chamomile tea, hot cocoa, or a match latte for an afternoon break.

• Storage: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it to extend its freshness to a week. It also freezes well; wrap slices individually for an easy, quick treat.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen bananas for the recipe?
  Yes, frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before use.

• What can I substitute for maple syrup or brown sugar?
  Agave nectar or any granulated sugar works as a substitute. Adjust to taste.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
  Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Creating this Perfectly Delicious Easy Vegan Banana Bread has always been more than just about baking; it's about sharing love and cherishing the simple things. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and delight to your home as it has to mine.