Vegan Banana Bread ~

Easy classic-style quick bread, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat!

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Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

I like this quick bread because it’s so easy to make and relies on perfectly ripe bananas to provide the starchy structure—no need for flax eggs or commercial egg replacer. When we’re craving a classic loaf of banana bread, this is the only banana bread recipe I use. Plus, it’s a delicious banana bread for making ahead; the flavors deepen as it sits overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

Choosing Bananas for Eggless Banana Bread

When it comes to baking vegan banana bread, the conventional wisdom of using overripe bananas or spotty bananas doesn’t always yield the best results.

Instead, opt for bananas that are perfectly ripe—still firm but ready to eat. These just-ripe bananas are starchier, which helps provide the structure your bread needs without requiring any egg substitutes. I tested this method, using bananas I would have happily eaten as a snack, and the results were fantastic – a beautiful and classic banana bread with the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Vegan Banana Bread

You will need the following:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large medium-ripe bananas 1 1/4 lb.
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup vegan sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

Ingredient Notes

Chopped Walnuts: These add a nice crunch and a bit of nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans or leave them out altogether.
All-Purpose Flour: This white flour is the backbone of your bread, giving it structure. You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps it brown beautifully. Coconut sugar works too for a natural alternative to white sugar.
Baking Soda: This helps the bread rise and stay light.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Bananas: For perfect vegan banana bread, use bananas that are just ripe but still firm; they provide the perfect texture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lighter option.
Vegan Sour Cream: The secret ingredient to perfectly moist vegan banana bread. Vegan yogurt is a great substitute.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of tang and helps with the rising process.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Gives a rich, deep vanilla flavor. Vanilla extract works too!
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread
Step One: Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray.
Step Two: Toast the Nuts. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until lightly browned. Set them aside.Step Three: Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the toasted walnuts.Step Four: Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, mash the bananas, leaving some chunks for texture. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the oil, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla bean paste with the mashed bananas.Step Five: Combine. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.Step Six: Pour and Smooth. Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon.Step Seven: Bake and Cool. Bake for 1 hour. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.Step Eight: Slice and Serve. Use a bread knife to cut the loaf into individual slices and serve.
FAQ for Vegan Banana Bread
- Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour, but the texture might be slightly denser.
- Can I add other mix-ins besides walnuts? Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other nuts like pecans for variety.
- What can I use instead of vegan sour cream? You can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce or plain plant-based yogurt.
- How do I know when the banana bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Can I freeze this banana bread? Yes, it freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container, or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

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