It’s easier than you think to make a banana bread recipe vegan and this recipe above maintains the signature moistness and softness that traditional banana bread is known for.
To create the best moist vegan banana bread recipe you need to start by using very ripe bananas. As such, this is a handy recipe for using up any leftover bananas that you have in the kitchen. It’s important to include the oil in the recipe as this helps to keep the banana bread moist without the traditional inclusion of butter.
Without the inclusion of eggs for binding the bake, some chefs will add additional ingredients, such as flaxseeds mixed with warm water, to achieve the right texture. However, the recipe above shouldn’t need this.
Other recipes that work well for using overripe bananas include banana pancakes and banana French toast, for an elevated start to the day. And, if this banana bread has converted you to vegan cooking, then there are plenty more recipes to try across savory and sweet profiles. From gazpacho to lemon granita there’s a whole range of vegan recipes to explore making in your kitchen.
Variations: Nuts, Chocolate, or Spices
We’ve shared a basic vegan banana bread recipe above but it’s possible to vary this as preferred to include other textures and ingredients. For added crunch you can introduce a selection of nuts to the mix before baking. Chopped walnuts are a classic nut to incorporate into banana bread and balance out the sweetness of the bananas.
If you want your bake even sweeter, you can add chocolate to the mix too. Try swirling in dark chocolate chips into the batter prior to baking for a deep, slightly bitter flavor contrast to the sweet bananas.
We’ve featured cinnamon in the classic recipe above, but other spices, such as nutmeg and ginger, bring even more warmth, depth, and flavor to a vegan banana bread. Both nutmeg and ginger are delicious spices to add if you’re making this bake during the festive season.
Storage and Serving Ideas
Vegan banana bread is best stored in an airtight container, in a cool dark place away from heat and sunlight. At room temperature it will last for up to three days. You can store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life by up to a week, but you may find the cold dries out the banana bread. Vegan banana bread can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Individually wrap the slices and transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for one hour.
For serving, vegan banana bread can be enjoyed simply on its own, warm from the baking tin. Or, you can warm the banana bread briefly in a toaster and serve with a dollop of nut butter melted into the loaf. And if you’re enjoying this vegan banana bread as part of an indulgent breakfast, add toppings of sliced banana, berries, coconut flakes, and a sweet drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious way to start the day.
