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 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Highlighted under: Baked Meals

I absolutely love baking banana bread, and my vegan version has become a favorite in our household. It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, using simple pantry ingredients. I often find myself experimenting with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, which elevate the flavors even more. Whether you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter or just want a healthy treat, this recipe ensures you can whip up a delicious loaf in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Created by

Odette Fairbanks

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:57:35.102Z

Baking is always a joy for me, and there’s something special about creating a vegan banana bread that the whole family enjoys. Each time I make it, I love to incorporate a different twist, whether it's a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of walnuts for texture. It always turns out so good!

One tip I’ve discovered is to use really ripe bananas; the more speckles, the better! It naturally sweetens the bread, making it rich and moist, all without any added sugars. This little trick has transformed my baking experience and elevated this classic recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
Incredibly moist and tender crumb
Nutritious and perfect for breakfast or snacks

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Vegan Banana Bread is obviously the bananas. Ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute moisture and flavor to the loaf. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they will yield a richer flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can hasten the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. This simple trick will enhance the baking experience.

Coconut oil plays a crucial role in this recipe, adding a lovely richness while keeping the bread dairy-free. You can substitute it with other oils, like canola or vegetable oil, but do note that the flavor might slightly change. Additionally, using brown sugar enhances the loaf's depth due to its molasses content, which complements the bananas beautifully. If you're looking for a lower-sugar version, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar, as the bananas provide a lot of natural sweetness.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to remember not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Stir until just combined; the batter may be a bit lumpy, and that's perfectly okay. Trust the process, and your banana bread will turn out wonderfully moist.

To ensure your banana bread bakes evenly, I recommend checking it a few minutes before the full baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch that perfect moment when the bread is just set. Look for golden edges and a crack along the top, which indicates it's time to pull it out. Use a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you're ready to cool the loaf.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Make sure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your vegan banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

For best flavor, let the bread rest for at least an hour before slicing, allowing the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in 1/2 cup of walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra delicious twist! Also, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Vegan Banana Bread can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the loaf. Slice it beforehand for convenience, and layer parchment paper between slices for easy thawing. When you want to enjoy a slice, simply pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Serve your banana bread as a delightful breakfast option with a spread of nut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup. It also makes for a perfect snack on its own. For a little indulgence, consider topping with chocolate spread or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving, elevating it to a decadent treat.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with add-ins to customize your Vegan Banana Bread! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while chocolate chips can satisfy your sweet tooth. If desired, you can fold in around 1/2 cup of either ingredient after mixing the batter. This not only enhances texture but also allows you to tailor the bread to your taste preferences.

If you're looking for a spiced version, consider tweaking the spices by including a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. These spices blend beautifully with the bananas and can elevate the flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrition without sacrificing the texture you love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar mixed with a little maple syrup or agave nectar for similar sweetness.