The Ultimate Vegan Banana Bread: Moist, Delicious, and Made with Coconut Oil

Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and this vegan version is just as satisfying as the traditional one! Made with ripe bananas and coconut oil, it’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Get ready to enjoy a slice of warm, homemade vegan banana bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Vegan Banana Bread Recipe Works

* **Moist and Tender Texture:** Coconut oil and mashed bananas work together to create a super moist and tender crumb. The combination of these two ingredients ensures the bread doesn’t dry out easily.
* **Rich Banana Flavor:** Using very ripe bananas is key to achieving that intense banana flavor we all crave in banana bread. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
* **Vegan-Friendly:** This recipe is completely vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. We replace eggs with a flaxseed meal, which acts as a binder and helps create a good structure.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and bake!
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious vegan banana bread:

* **Ripe Bananas:** The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, resulting in a more flavorful and moist bread. Aim for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots.
* **Coconut Oil:** Use melted coconut oil to add moisture and a subtle coconut flavor to the bread. You can use refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor. Make sure the coconut oil is cooled slightly before adding it to the batter, so it doesn’t cook the other ingredients.
* **Flaxseed Meal:** This acts as an egg replacement and helps bind the ingredients together. Mix it with water to create a “flax egg.”
* **Plant-Based Milk:** Use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** This reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Provides the structure for the bread. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Baking Soda:** Helps the bread rise.
* **Baking Powder:** Provides extra lift and helps create a light and fluffy texture.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Sugar:** Adds sweetness to the bread. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the bread.
* **Optional Mix-ins:** Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or any other ingredients you like.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect vegan banana bread:

### Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
2. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency. This is your flax egg.

### Step 2: Mash the Bananas

1. Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl.
2. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.

### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. Add the melted and slightly cooled coconut oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the mashed bananas.
2. Add the prepared flax egg to the bowl.
3. Whisk all the wet ingredients together until well combined.

### Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
2. If adding any mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans), gently fold them into the batter.

### Step 6: Prepare the Loaf Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bread after baking.

### Step 7: Pour Batter and Bake

1. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
4. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

### Step 8: Cool and Slice

1. Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
2. After 10-15 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once the bread is completely cool, slice it and serve.

## Tips for the Best Vegan Banana Bread

* **Use Very Ripe Bananas:** As mentioned earlier, using very ripe bananas is crucial for the best flavor and moisture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Use a kitchen scale to measure the flour accurately, or use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife.
* **Let the Bread Cool Completely:** It’s tempting to slice into the banana bread while it’s still warm, but it’s best to let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from being too crumbly.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, consider adding a streusel topping to the banana bread before baking. Combine flour, sugar, and cold vegan butter, then crumble it over the top of the batter.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking:** Taste the batter before baking and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a little more sugar.
* **Use Refined or Unrefined Coconut Oil**: Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, while unrefined coconut oil has a slight coconut flavor. Choose whichever you prefer.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This vegan banana bread recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

* **Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
* **Walnut Banana Bread:** Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter before baking.
* **Pecan Banana Bread:** Add 1 cup of chopped pecans to the batter before baking.
* **Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:** Create a cinnamon swirl by mixing cinnamon and sugar together and swirling it into the batter before baking.
* **Peanut Butter Banana Bread:** Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter before baking.
* **Blueberry Banana Bread:** Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first.
* **Spice it up:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Add a glaze:** After the bread has cooled, drizzle a simple glaze over the top. Mix powdered sugar with a little plant-based milk until you reach your desired consistency.

## Serving Suggestions

This vegan banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Warm with vegan butter:** Serve a slice of warm banana bread with a pat of vegan butter or margarine.
* **With a dollop of vegan yogurt:** Top a slice of banana bread with a dollop of your favorite vegan yogurt.
* **As part of a brunch spread:** Include vegan banana bread in your brunch spread along with other breakfast favorites.
* **With coffee or tea:** Enjoy a slice of banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
* **As a dessert:** Serve vegan banana bread as a dessert after dinner. You can even top it with vegan ice cream or whipped cream.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the vegan banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the banana bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze vegan banana bread for up to 2 months. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?**

A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in this recipe. Make sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum.

**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?**

A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar to your liking. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar may affect the texture and sweetness of the bread.

**Q: Can I use a different type of oil?**

A: Yes, you can use other types of oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. However, coconut oil adds a unique flavor and moisture to the bread.

**Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?**

A: Yes, you can make muffins instead of a loaf. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

**Q: My banana bread is dry. What did I do wrong?**

A: There are a few reasons why your banana bread might be dry. You may have overmixed the batter, used too much flour, or overbaked the bread. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, check for doneness around 50 minutes and remove the bread from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

**Q: Can I add nuts to the batter?**

A: Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans are popular additions. Add about 1 cup of chopped nuts to the batter just before pouring it into the loaf pan.

**Q: My banana bread is browning too quickly on top. What should I do?**

A: If the top of your banana bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will help prevent it from burning.

**Q: Can I use frozen bananas?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely before using them in the recipe. The thawed bananas will be very soft and easy to mash.

**Q: What is a flax egg and why do I need it?**

A: A flax egg is a vegan egg replacement made by combining ground flaxseed meal with water. It acts as a binder in baking recipes, providing structure and moisture. It’s a great way to replace eggs in vegan baking.

## Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Now it’s time to bake this delicious vegan banana bread!

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
* 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, slightly cooled
* 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 3/4 cup sugar (granulated, brown, or coconut)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine flaxseed meal and water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
4. Add melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, vanilla extract, and flax egg to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. If adding mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious and moist vegan banana bread!