Vegan Banana Bread (Easy + Healthy)
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Satisfy your sweet cravings with this easy and healthy Vegan Banana Bread recipe! Made with ripe bananas, wholesome ingredients, and naturally sweetened, this deliciously moist bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It's a delightful way to use up overripe bananas while keeping your baking plant-based and nutritious. Enjoy a slice with your favorite nut butter or simply on its own!
Perfectly Ripe Bananas
The key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your Vegan Banana Bread is using perfectly ripe bananas. Look for bananas that are mostly brown and spotted, as this indicates they are sweet and sufficiently soft for mashing. The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness they contribute to the batter, reducing the need for additional sugars. If you have bananas that are yellow but not quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
Overripe bananas are not only ideal for this recipe but also prevent food waste, making your baking experience more sustainable. Instead of tossing out those brown bananas, transform them into something delicious and fulfilling that you and your loved ones can enjoy.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
This Vegan Banana Bread recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that provide a variety of health benefits. For instance, bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health, muscle function, and digestive health. They also contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Using coconut oil instead of butter adds healthy fats to your banana bread. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can boost metabolism and provide a quick energy source. Moreover, maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, providing antioxidants while keeping the sugar content lower compared to refined sugars. Together, these ingredients create a guilt-free treat that you can indulge in any time of day.
Baking Tips for Success
For the best results in your Vegan Banana Bread, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dry loaf, while too little can make it overly moist. Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife for precision.
It’s also advisable to check the doneness of your banana bread before taking it out of the oven. Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness about 5 minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached to it, but not wet batter. This will ensure your bread is perfectly baked and deliciously moist.
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Mix all the ingredients well until combined.
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mash Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Combine Ingredients
Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy your delicious vegan banana bread!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Vegan Banana Bread has cooled, the serving options are endless! Enjoy a warm slice topped with your favorite nut butter for an easy breakfast that satisfies both cravings and nutritional needs. Almond butter or peanut butter pairs exceptionally well, providing extra protein and healthy fats to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Alternatively, you can serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a delicious dessert option. This banana bread also excels when toasted; a quick run under the broiler adds an extra layer of warmth and texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you have leftovers—or if you made a double batch—storing your Vegan Banana Bread properly is crucial for maintaining its freshness. Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its life to about a week.
For longer storage, freezing is a superb option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick treat straight from the freezer.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your Vegan Banana Bread by incorporating various mix-ins. Nuts such as walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and additional nutrients. You can also throw in dairy-free chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
If you're looking to enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. A tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds can boost the nutritional content significantly, adding omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Experimenting with these variations can lead to a personalized twist that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
→ What can I substitute for maple syrup?
You can use agave nectar or brown sugar as a substitute for maple syrup.
Vegan Banana Bread (Easy + Healthy)
Satisfy your sweet cravings with this easy and healthy Vegan Banana Bread recipe! Made with ripe bananas, wholesome ingredients, and naturally sweetened, this deliciously moist bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It's a delightful way to use up overripe bananas while keeping your baking plant-based and nutritious. Enjoy a slice with your favorite nut butter or simply on its own!
Created by: Tessa Wright
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.
In another bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g