Vegan Banana Bread With Walnuts

Name: Vegan Banana Bread With Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 bananas (ripened; ~375 grams); 4 tablespoons unsalted vegan butter (melted at room temperature or use apple sauce or oil as a substitute); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 plant milk; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1½ all-purpose flour (white or white-whole wheat); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup walnuts, chopped; ½ cup semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips; ½ cup dates, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 2 reviews

Ready to take your banana bread game to the next level without eggs or dairy? Dive into this simple yet incredibly moist and flavorful vegan banana bread with walnuts recipe that'll make you forget all about the traditional version!

It's perfectly sweet and has just the right banana vibes. With classic ingredients, veganized for plant-based pleasure, it's a dairy and egg-free delight that will have everyone fooled with its delicious flavor.

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Why you'll love vegan banana bread
Ingredient Overview
Instructions
Tips
Toppings for your vegan bread
FAQs
Other favorite banana recipes
Recipe
Vegan Banana Bread With Walnuts
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Reviews

Why you'll love vegan banana bread

Vegan banana bread has a wonderfully moist and tender texture, thanks to the natural moisture from ripe bananas and the right combination of ingredients.
This banana bread is free from eggs and dairy.
Vegan banana bread offers more nutritional benefits compared to traditional recipes.
The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, requiring minimal effort and basic kitchen staples to whip up a delicious loaf.
You can customize vegan banana bread by adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, making it adaptable to your personal taste preferences.
It's a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste, providing a second life to perfectly ripe yet soft bananas.
Vegan banana bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It's a comforting and wholesome treat to enjoy at any time of the day.
Preparing homemade vegan banana bread makes for a great present to share with neighbors and loved ones. And let's not even begin to describe the heavenly aroma that will envelop your home.

Ingredient Overview

This is a classic recipe for banana bread with just two items swapped out for vegan versions - eggs and butter.

ingredients for vegan banana bread top view in bowls — ingredients you can pronounce

ripe bananas
vanilla extract
vegan butter or oil
plant milk
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
cinnamon
nutmeg (optional)
baking soda
salt
all-purpose flour
walnuts

Optional

vegan chocolate chips
dates

Notes on ingredients

Vegan butter

Vegan butter is made from vegetable oils and other plant-based ingredients, such as nuts or seeds. It has a similar texture and flavor to traditional butter but without animal fats and cholesterol and is lower in saturated fat than conventional butter. You'll never know the difference in taste.

Flour

If you don't want all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative to white flour and adds a nutty flavor to your banana bread. You may need to add a little more milk if using whole wheat because of its denser consistency.

Instructions

This banana bread is a breeze to whip up and turns out moist and marvelous everytime!

bread pan with parchment paper for vegan banana bread

Line the bottom of a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick. Tip: If you crumble parchment paper first, it molds to the loaf pan a little better. Alternatively, you can grease the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using either a fork or a potato masher, and don't worry if the texture isn't completely smooth; having a few small chunks is perfectly fine.

mixed wet ingredients for vegan banana bread

Add plant milk, butter, vanilla, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.

mixed dry ingredients for vegan banana bread top view

Mix together the dry ingredients, including the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir in the walnuts, chocolate chips, or dates as well, if using.

wet and dry ingredients mixed for vegan banana bread

Mix the dry ingredients with the banana mixture, combining them nicely, but don't go overboard, or you'll end up with a banana brick or a sunken middle!

pouring vegan banana bread batter in the pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-45 minutes (ovens vary so check in).

Insert a small knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a wire cooling rack

Tips

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or patches on the skin, as these are the ripest. I use four bananas to get my banana bread moist.
Spoon and level the flour: Spoon it into a cup (so it doesn't get packed in by pressing it into the sides of the flour bag), then level it off with a knife.
Don't over-mix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dry bread. Mix until just combined.
Bake at the right temperature: Baking the bread at the right temperature can help it cook evenly and stay moist. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 50 - 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (note below!).
Fear not if you're like me and can't even figure out if bread is done using a toothpick! Check out this guide, "How to Tell if Banana Bread is Done," by the fine folks at King Arthur, the flour company.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

The sunken-center banana bread dilemma! Been there, done that, even when making this post. In the picture below, you see banana bread I took out too early. I didn't put the timer and I 'felt' it was done, only to see it deflate on the counter.

Here are a few other reasons why it may happen.

vegan banana bread with a sunken middle part — undercooked banana bread resulted in a sunken middle section - the flavor was great, though!

Baking Time: Underbaking leads to a gooey, sunken center. Ensure you’re baking it for enough time, and do the toothpick test to confirm it’s done. If you're like me and second guess your toothpick test, see these tips on How to tell when banana bread is done from the folks at King Arthur - the flour company.
Too Much Moisture: Bananas are quite moist. Ensure you use between 350 to 375 grams of banana (about 3 average bananas or about 1 ½ cups mashed) so the recipe properly balances the wet and dry ingredients.
Overmixing: If you overmix the batter, you might develop too much gluten, making the bread rise quickly and collapse.
Cold Ingredients: Ingredients like plant-based milk or vegan butter should be at room temperature for even mixing and proper rising.
Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot can make the bread rise too quickly and collapse. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer to double-check the temperature.
Expired Ingredients: Double-check the freshness of your baking soda. Expired or stale leavening agents won’t do their job well.
Ingredient Substitutions: If you swapped out any ingredients, it could alter the chemistry of the batter.

How to Fix It Next Time

Double-check your ingredients' freshness and ensure they’re all at room temperature.
Consider reducing the amount of banana or wet ingredients if the batter seems too moist.
Be mindful of your mixing—mix until combined.

Toppings for your vegan bread

Topping banana bread is like putting the cherry on a sundae — it takes something already great and elevates it to the next level! Here's a roundup of various toppings you can try:

Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Nutella or Peanut Butter: Spread it on a warm slice for a gooey, nutty delight.
Icing or Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze on the loaf can make your banana bread feel like a dessert.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds added on top can add a nice crunch and a pretty presentation.
Fruit Preserves: Think beyond butter and go for strawberry or blueberry preserves.
Banana Slices: Keep it thematic with extra banana slices on top but only if eating fairly quickly since they will turn brown and unappealing.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of tartness.
Mint Leaves: For a burst of color and a fresh palate cleanser.
Ice Cream or Sorbet: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or fruit sorbet.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream can make each slice feel like a special treat.
Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek or plant-based yogurt can make for a hearty breakfast.
Granola: Adds both texture and a breakfast vibe.

FAQs

Can I add chocolate chips to my banana bread?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit are all delicious additions to vegan banana bread. I make walnuts a must for banana bread.

How do I store banana bread?

Banana bread can be kept at room temperature for about 3 days. If freezing, let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw to room temperature before serving. Tip: Slice it before freezing - it's much quicker to thaw slices.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Certainly! I frequently freeze bananas to prepare delicious homemade vegan ice cream or this banana bread recipe. Just make sure to allow it to thaw on the counter and drain any excess liquid.

Other favorite banana recipes

Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.