Description
This plant-based banana bread is the ultimate comfort food—soft, moist, and bursting with banana flavor. Made without eggs or dairy, it’s a perfect treat for vegans and non-vegans alike. The secret to its incredible texture lies in ripe bananas, creamy plant-based yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. Packed with warm cinnamon and optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips, this banana bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (such as almond, soy, or oat)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine wet ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted coconut oil, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the bread light and tender.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if using.
Step 4: Bake
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional nuts or chocolate chips on top for decoration, if desired.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy: Slice the bread and serve it plain, with a smear of vegan butter, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 55 Minutes
- Category: dessert
- Cuisine: American
