Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a denser, whole-grain option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper. - Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the maple syrup (if using), plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently. - Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. - Enjoy:
Slice and enjoy your homemade vegan banana bread! It’s perfect on its own or spread with a little peanut butter or dairy-free butter for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe—overripe bananas work best as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- For added flavor, you can mix in a handful of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or a spoonful of peanut butter for a richer taste.
- This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or it can be frozen for longer storage.
This Vegan Banana Bread is naturally sweetened, moist, and full of banana flavor, making it a perfect healthy treat for any time of the day!
