Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts is a deliciously moist and naturally sweet treat that everyone can enjoy. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a comforting dessert.
The bananas provide the natural sweetness, while the addition of walnuts brings a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that perfectly complements the soft texture of the bread.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity—it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and requires minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a perfect loaf every time.
Ingredients
Making this Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting, flavorful loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe Bananas: The key to natural sweetness and moisture. The riper the bananas, the better!
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use regular all-purpose flour for a light, fluffy texture. If you prefer, whole wheat flour offers a denser, heartier option.
- Baking Soda: This helps the bread rise and gives it that light, airy texture.
- Plant-Based Milk: Use your favorite dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk for the best results.
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Both of these options contribute to the richness and moistness of the bread.
- Chopped Walnuts: The star ingredient for added crunch and flavor. You can also substitute with other nuts or seeds.
- Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar: A touch of sweetener to enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- Vanilla Extract: For a warm, fragrant flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- A Pinch of Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts
Making Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts is a straightforward process that comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent the banana bread from sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a smooth consistency, but it’s okay if there are a few lumps left. The more mashed the bananas are, the more flavor and moisture they’ll contribute to the bread.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the plant-based milk, melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or coconut sugar) to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a smooth wet mixture.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture.
Step 5: Fold in Walnuts
Once the batter is fully mixed, fold in the chopped walnuts. This will add a wonderful texture to the bread, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Loaf Pan
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Step 8: Let It Cool
After baking, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Vegan Banana Bread
To ensure your Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best as they’re softer and release more natural sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overmixing can make the banana bread dense and heavy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: While walnuts are a fantastic addition, you can also try adding chocolate chips, raisins, or even shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and other dry ingredients helps prevent clumps and ensures a smoother batter, which results in a lighter, fluffier bread.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your banana bread around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
How to Store Vegan Banana Bread
Proper storage will keep your Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts fresh for several days:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, simply wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
- Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, simply pop it in the toaster or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes. This will restore its fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to be a bit more watery, so you may need to drain excess liquid after thawing. This won’t affect the outcome, as the moisture from the bananas contributes to the bread’s delicious texture.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is suitable for baking, as it will provide the best texture. Additionally, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the flour you use.
3. What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, feel free to use other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can also use seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin, for a nut-free alternative while still adding a crunchy texture to the bread.
4. Can I make this banana bread oil-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe oil-free by substituting the vegan butter or coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce. This will provide moisture without any added fats, but keep in mind the bread may be slightly less rich in texture.
5. How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary slightly.
Conclusion
This Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts is the perfect combination of sweetness, warmth, and texture. With its moist crumb and delightful crunch, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and create a comforting treat for any time of day. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative to a classic banana bread recipe, this loaf is sure to impress. Try it for yourself and enjoy every delicious slice!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family or post a photo on social media—don’t forget to tag us! We’d love to see how your banana bread turned out. Happy baking!
Vegan Banana Bread with Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 Loaf Pan (8×4 inches)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (Large)
- 1 Fork or potato masher
- 1 Spatula
- 1 oven
- 1 Toothpick or Cake Tester (for checking doneness)
Ingredients
- 3 Ripe Bananas medium-sized, mashed
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Cup Plant-Based Milk almond, oat, or soy
- ⅓ Cup Vegan Butter melted, or coconut oil
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup or coconut sugar
- ½ Cup Walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the plant-based milk, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the Batter to the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They are softer and release more natural sugar, which helps sweeten the bread.
- Sweetener: If you prefer a less sweet loaf, feel free to adjust the maple syrup or coconut sugar. If your bananas are extra ripe, you may even be able to reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Variations: You can easily swap walnuts for other nuts, like pecans or almonds, or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re making this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the flour used.
