Description
This easy and versatile Banana Bread recipe offers a moist, flavorful loaf using simple pantry staples and wholesome plant-based ingredients. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it delivers a naturally sweet, tender crumb perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Customizable options allow you to add nuts, chocolate, berries, or seeds for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (overripe with brown spots)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup natural sweetener (cane sugar or maple syrup natural)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Variations
- Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- Fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries
- Extra cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves
- Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining for texture.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add vegetable oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, natural vanilla extract, natural sweetener, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to the mashed bananas. Stir gently to combine.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, natural gelling agent, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute.
- Bring wet and dry mixtures together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no flour streaks remain, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the Banana Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep the bread tender and light.
- Adjust baking time if using glass pans or smaller loaf pans.
- Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor substantially.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana bread, plant-based banana bread, vegan banana bread, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, breakfast bread, snack bread