Before diving into the world of easy vegan banana bread, let’s chat about some delightful pairings. A slice of this banana decadence pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing herbal tea.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider complimenting it with a generous smear of almond or peanut butter.
It can also stand proudly next to a fresh fruit salad or even some coconut yogurt for added creaminess. Just imagine hosting a brunch where your banana bread is the star, flanked by colorful plates of treats—a delightful visual feast!
Let me take you on a delicious journey into the realm of easy vegan banana bread. The kind of baking that doesn’t churn your stomach with guilt or leave you sweating in the kitchen.
Instead, it opens the door to delightful aromas wafting through your home, making every small moment worthwhile. If you think vegan baking can’t deliver on flavor, this recipe will change your mind.
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I’ve tried my share of breads. This one has a special place in my heart—and my kitchen!
What is Easy Vegan Banana Bread?
Easy vegan banana bread is a simple, health-conscious twist on the traditional banana bread we all know and love. This recipe offers the perfect balance of ripened bananas and wholesome ingredients.
No eggs or dairy needed, yet it still gives you that classic richness and moist texture. Instead of complex methods and ingredients, this recipe focuses on ease and ingredients that you likely already have at home.
The result? A deliciously moist banana bread that’s kind to both the palate and the planet!
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What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Easy Vegan Banana Breads?
What puts this recipe a notch above the rest? It starts with whole spelt flour, which isn’t only nutritious; it adds a lovely nuttiness that white flour simply can’t compete with. I also prioritize minimal sweetening with raw cane sugar and the natural sweetness of bananas.
Furthermore, this version allows for customization—add your favorite spices or nuts as you wish. Many recipes call for artificial additives to give moisture. Not here! The ripe bananas do all of the heavy lifting, ensuring every bite is packed with natural goodness.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine a bite of moist, tender banana bread complemented by the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. This isn’t some bland vegan alternative. The taste is simple yet bursting with flavor, while adding extra textures like walnuts or crunchy dark chocolate chips only elevates it.
This bread has a comforting sweetness that isn’t overwhelming, making it the perfect treat anytime of day. Each slice is a comforting hug, with a flavor profile allowing you to customize to your own liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Ready to bring your apron and get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
1 3/4 cups whole spelt flour
1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
a pinch of fine mineral salt
1/3 cup raw organic cane sugar
1/3 cup light neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil, vegan butter at room temperature, or unsweetened applesauce)
4 small or 3 large very ripe mashed bananas
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, add only if batter needs moisture
Flavorful additions:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 – 2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 – 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (mini or regular)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you ample time to prepare the ingredients while your oven warms up. A warm oven ensures an even bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole spelt flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Take a whisk and blend gently. This step aerates the flour mix and ensures that every bite has that fluffy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mix
In another bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Add the raw cane sugar, light oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until you have a well-combined texture.
The aroma of the mashed bananas and vanilla will brighten your mood.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a soft loaf.
Step 5: Adjust with Almond Milk (if necessary)
If your batter feels too thick, add in the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Add Flavorful Ingredients
If you’re opting for walnuts, chocolate, or spices, gently fold those into your batter now. This is where your creativity shines! Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a loaf pan with a touch of oil or line it with parchment paper. This helps keep cleanup easy and ensures the bread won’t stick.
Step 8: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Toss it into the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely for easier slicing. The waiting part is the hardest, but it will be worth it!
Tips & Tricks On Making Easy Vegan Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas. The more speckles, the better! This ensures natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf.
- Experiment with spices. Adding nutmeg or ginger can give an exciting twist.
- Try different mix-ins. Things like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even citrus zest can elevate your banana bread.
- Store properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a bit longer.
Nutrition Information
Easy vegan banana bread recipe nutrition facts
How Do I Store This Dish?
Storing your vegan banana bread is straightforward. Keep it wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want it to last longer, slice it and freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, pop it in the toaster or microwave for a delightful warming effect.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Easy Vegan Banana Bread?
Exploring substitutions can be fun! Here are five options worth trying:
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a different flavor profile and additional fiber, swap the spelt flour for whole wheat flour.
- Maple Syrup instead of Sugar: For a more natural sweetness, maple syrup can stand in for raw sugar. Just adjust the liquid in your batter accordingly.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use applesauce in place of oil for a lower-fat option. It keeps the bread moist.
- Chia Seeds: Instead of oil, you can create a chia gel (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) which adds nutrients.
- Dairy-free Yogurt: If you want to replace almond milk, a non-dairy yogurt can add creaminess to your batter.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole spelt flour
- 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of fine mineral salt
- 1/3 cup raw organic cane sugar
- 1/3 cup light neutral oil such as grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil, vegan butter at room temperature, or unsweetened applesauce
- 4 small or 3 large very ripe mashed bananas
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk add only if batter needs moisture
Flavorful additions:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips mini or regular
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you ample time to prepare the ingredients while your oven warms up. A warm oven ensures an even bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole spelt flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Take a whisk and blend gently. This step aerates the flour mix and ensures that every bite has that fluffy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mix
- In another bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Add the raw cane sugar, light oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until you have a well-combined texture.
- The aroma of the mashed bananas and vanilla will brighten your mood.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a soft loaf.
Step 5: Adjust with Almond Milk (if necessary)
- If your batter feels too thick, add in the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Add Flavorful Ingredients
- If you’re opting for walnuts, chocolate, or spices, gently fold those into your batter now. This is where your creativity shines! Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease a loaf pan with a touch of oil or line it with parchment paper. This helps keep cleanup easy and ensures the bread won’t stick.
Step 8: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Toss it into the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely for easier slicing. The waiting part is the hardest, but it will be worth it!
Notes
- Use overripe bananas. The more speckles, the better! This ensures natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf.
- Experiment with spices. Adding nutmeg or ginger can give an exciting twist.
- Try different mix-ins. Things like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even citrus zest can elevate your banana bread.
- Store properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a bit longer.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in a gluten-free flour blend that you enjoy, but ensure to adjust baking times as needed.
2. What can I use instead of spelt flour?
You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour. Each substitute will alter the final texture slightly, but it should still yield a delicious result.
3. How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The best indicators are a golden-brown top and a toothpick inserted in the middle coming out clean. If it’s wet or covered in batter, give it a few more minutes.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate after baking?
Once it’s cooled, you can add toppings like melted chocolate or sprinkled nuts, but they will not embed as they would when mixed in.
5. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yep! Slice the banana bread and wrap individual pieces tightly before freezing. It’s a fantastic way to have a snack at your fingertips anytime.
Conclusion
Easy vegan banana bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. From the tactile joy of mixing to the sweet scent that fills your kitchen, it’s a journey I find myself returning to time and time again.
This recipe fulfills the need for delicious food without sacrificing health or values.
Each bite offers the warmth of tradition, with a modern twist.
Trust me, this isn’t just another sweet bread; it’s an invitation to gather. So, preheat your oven, and let’s start this tasty adventure! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more