Name: Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed; 5 tablespoons water; 2 large ripe bananas, about 1 cup mashed; 1/3 cup melted vegan butter or neutral oil; 2/3 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (oat, almond, or soy); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg (optional); 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or non-dairy chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 21 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, I’ve got you covered. This banana bread is moist, tender, and bursting with warm banana flavor—plus, it’s totally plant-based and easy to whip up on any day. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a delicious egg-free treat, this recipe is a total game-changer. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips so your loaf turns out absolutely perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flaxseed Egg Substitute: The ground flaxseed mixed with water creates a perfect vegan binder that keeps the bread moist and structured without eggs.
Ripe Bananas: Using super-ripe bananas ensures a natural sweetness and tender crumb that makes every bite wonderful.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this recipe accessible and easy to prepare anytime.
Optional Add-ins: Walnuts or chocolate chips add texture and flavor without complicating the recipe.

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread, egg-free banana bread, healthy banana bread, plant-based banana bread - A loaf of golden brown banana bread with a slightly cracked top sits inside a gray baking pan, showing the soft, light beige interior through the cracks. The surface is sprinkled with medium-sized walnut halves that are toasted to a light brown, scattered evenly on top and around the edges. The loaf has a dense, moist texture with visible bits of banana inside, and the baking pan has some visible moisture droplets on its sides. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances moisture and structure beautifully through a combination of bananas, flaxseed, and a touch of vegan butter or oil. Each ingredient has a role, and I’ve included some tips so you can shop smart and succeed.

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread, egg-free banana bread, healthy banana bread, plant-based banana bread - Flat lay of two large ripe bananas with bright yellow skins and brown speckles, a small pile of rich brown chopped walnuts with textured surfaces, a mound of fine light brown granulated sugar, a smooth pool of golden melted vegan butter, a neat heap of light beige ground flaxseed powder, a small glass of creamy white almond milk, a scattering of warm tan all-purpose flour with soft powdery texture, and a sprinkle of fine brown fresh ground nutmeg, all naturally arranged with some ingredients slightly overlapping, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground flaxseed: Acts as an egg replacer, providing binding and a slight nutty flavor.
Ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and moist, they form the heart of the bread’s flavor.
Melted vegan butter or neutral oil: Adds richness and tenderness; I love vegan butter for a buttery flavor.
Granulated or brown sugar: Sweetens while helping with the moisture and texture.
Dairy-free milk (oat, almond, or soy): Keeps the batter smooth and adds creaminess.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure; if needed, you can swap for gluten-free flour.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely and gives a light crumb.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Fresh ground nutmeg (optional): Adds warming spice and depth.
Walnuts or non-dairy chocolate chips (optional): Perfect for texture and flavor variation.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can keep it classic or mix things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Nut-free: I’ve made this bread swapping almond milk for coconut or soy milk with great results—especially helpful for nut allergies.
Oil-free: I experimented with applesauce instead of melted vegan butter — it keeps the bread moist but slightly less rich, which I actually like for a lighter option.
Chocolate chip lover’s variation: Stir in dairy-free chocolate chips instead of walnuts—perfect for an indulgent treat.
Muffin form: I sometimes bake this batter in muffin tins at 400°F for about 22 minutes, making breakfast grab-and-go bites.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Flax Egg and Preheat the Oven

Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan. This flax mixture is your vegan egg—it thickens and binds the ingredients just like eggs would.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab your ripest bananas—notice when they’re speckled and soft, that’s perfect—and mash them with a fork until smooth. Measure out about one cup to keep things consistent. To the mashed bananas, stir in the melted vegan butter or oil, then add your sugar, dairy-free milk, and the flax egg. Mix everything gently until you have a nice, combined wet mixture.

Step 3: Mix Flour and Dry Ingredients

Now, add your 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Stir gently and just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the bread dense, so slow and careful is the way to go here.

Step 4: Add Your Mix-Ins and Bake

This is the fun part—fold in your chopped walnuts or dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re using them. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Ideally, wait at least 30 minutes before slicing — this rest period makes the bread easier to cut and enhances the flavor. Trust me, patience here pays off!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better—the natural sugars in very ripe bananas enhance sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir dry into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the loaf tender and fluffy.
Check Doneness Early: Start testing at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can dry out your bread.
Loaf Pan Prep: Greasing well or using parchment paper helps the bread release cleanly without sticking.

How to Serve Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread, egg-free banana bread, healthy banana bread, plant-based banana bread - A stack of four thick banana bread slices sits on a white marbled surface, each slice showing a soft, moist interior with a light brown color and speckles of dark spots from bananas. The crust is golden brown and slightly crumbly with several walnut pieces embedded both on the top and inside the bread. Some walnuts are well visible on the top edges, adding texture. The bread has a homemade rustic look with a few cracks and uneven parts along the sides and top. The background is a warm wooden texture blurred out softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often toast a slice and spread it with almond butter or vegan cream cheese for breakfast. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup takes it to another level, too. For celebrations, a dusting of powdered sugar or some vegan whipped cream makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte in the morning. For lunch or snack time, pair it with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, for a balanced bite.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this loaf sliced alongside a small scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a quick, delightful dessert. For brunch, cut into thick bars and plate with vegan yogurt and fresh fruit for a colorful, inviting spread. It’s surprisingly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature; it stays fresh for up to 2 days. If I want it to last longer, I place it in the fridge for up to a week—it holds up surprisingly well without getting dry.

Freezing

This vegan banana bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a sweet treat, I just pull out a slice or two, and they thaw quickly at room temperature or in the toaster.

Reheating

To reheat, I like toasting a slice lightly or warming it in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and makes the bread taste almost freshly baked again—plus, who can resist that lovely warm banana aroma?

FAQs

Can I use a different flour in this vegan banana bread?

Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for structure, I’ve successfully swapped in a gluten-free flour blend in equal parts with great results. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a binder for the best texture.
How ripe should the bananas be?

The best bananas for this recipe are very ripe—think brown spots and soft to the touch. They mellow the flavor and boost natural sweetness, helping you use less added sugar.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out almond milk for soy or coconut milk, and skip the walnuts or use seeds instead. The bread will still be delicious and allergy-friendly.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to a third and still have tasty bread. Keep in mind that bananas add some sweetness, so reducing sugar won’t drastically affect flavor, but you might lose some of the moist texture sugar contributes.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Baking time varies, so start checking around 50 minutes to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do—and share it with friends and family who appreciate a cozy, plant-based treat. Remember, baking is all about enjoying the process, so have fun, and happy baking!