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Vegan Banana Bread - Moist, Easy, and Comforting

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/3 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar; adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (such as sunflower, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup add-ins (optional: chopped walnuts, pecans, dairy-free chocolate chips, or blueberries)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep the pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the exposed sides.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture. You should have about 1 1/3 cups.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: Add brown sugar, maple syrup, oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla to the bananas. Whisk until well combined and glossy.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This distributes the leavening evenly.
  5. Bring it together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl. Using a spatula, fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
  6. Add the extras: Fold in any add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Spread the batter into the pan and smooth the top. For a pretty finish, you can sprinkle a little sugar or lay a sliced banana on top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Cool properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then use the parchment to lift it onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts and best texture.
  9. Slice and serve: Cut into thick slices. Enjoy plain, spread with vegan butter, or drizzle with a little maple syrup.