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· 4.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for something cozy, sweet, and perfectly moist, you absolutely have to try this Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe. I’ve made it countless times for friends, family, and those surprise visits from neighbors, and honestly—it never disappoints. The bananas shine through just right, the texture is tender and lovely, and the subtle nutmeg kick? Game changer. Stick with me here, because I’m sharing all my secrets to help you nail this delicious cake-like bread every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this perfect for a quick bake.
Flax “Egg” Binding: The ground flaxseed mixed with water creates the perfect vegan binder that keeps the bread moist and holds it together.
Moist Texture: Using ripe bananas and vegan butter ensures a tender crumb with just the right amount of richness.
Delicious Flexibility: Add walnuts, chocolate chips, or skip them altogether—it’s your banana bread, your way.

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread recipe, moist vegan banana bread, easy vegan banana bread, healthy vegan 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

I love that this Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that combine beautifully to create that classic sweet and tender loaf. No hidden weirdness—just real food you can trust. Plus, I’ll share little tips so your ingredients shine.

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread recipe, moist vegan banana bread, easy vegan banana bread, healthy vegan 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: This is your egg substitute and natural binder, plus it adds a mild nuttiness.
Water: Mixed with flaxseed to create the flax “egg,” it helps hold the loaf together.
Ripe bananas: The star of the show! Use bananas that are spotty or brown for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Melted vegan butter or neutral oil: Adds richness; vegan butter gives a buttery flavor, but oil works too.
Granulated or brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning; brown sugar contributes a slight molasses note.
Dairy-free milk: Almond, oat, soy—any unsweetened plant milk works well for moisture and binding.
All-purpose flour: The base of the bread; make sure it’s well sifted or spooned in to avoid dense baking.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in bananas to give lift and lightness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Fresh ground nutmeg (optional): Adds warmth and depth for a subtle spice kick.
Chopped walnuts or non-dairy chocolate chips (optional): Great for texture and bursts of flavor, but keep it simple if you prefer.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

This recipe is like your favorite cozy sweater—comfort food that you can easily make your own. I tend to switch up the add-ins depending on mood or who I’m baking for. Feel free to make it yours!

Variation – Nut-Free Version: I’ve used coconut milk and swapped walnuts for raisins or extra chocolate chips for a nut-free crowd, and it still came out beautifully moist.
Oil-Free Option: I sometimes swap melted vegan butter for applesauce when I want to keep it lighter. The texture is a bit different, a touch less rich, but still satisfying.
Spiced Up: Try adding cinnamon or cardamom alongside nutmeg for a warm holiday twist—I do this around Thanksgiving and it’s always a hit.
Muffin Style: If you’re short on time or want grab-and-go bites, bake the batter in muffin tins at 400°F for about 20-24 minutes.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Flax “Egg” and Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan (about 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches or 9 x 5 inches). In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and set it aside for a few minutes while it thickens into your flax “egg.” This step is key because it creates the perfect binding agent without eggs. Don’t skip waiting—otherwise, it won’t gel properly.

Step 2: Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients

In a big bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until smooth—no big lumps here. I like to scoop the mashed bananas into a measuring cup to be sure I have about 1 cup, then stir melted vegan butter into the bowl. Next, add sugar, your choice of plant milk, and your flax egg. Give everything a good stir with a large spoon until it’s well mixed. This combination of wet ingredients ensures your bread stays moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Add the all-purpose flour to your wet mix, then sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and optional fresh ground nutmeg on top. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to over-mix here. Over-mixing can make the bread dense and tough, and nobody wants that. I like to fold in any extras like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips last so they’re evenly distributed but don’t break down.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the greased pan and pop it into the center rack of the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, but start checking around 50, especially if your oven runs hot. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done! Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long! Cooling helps the bread set so it slices neatly.

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Pro Tips for Making Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Always use bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and keep your bread moist.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; over-stirring creates tough bread. The batter will be a little lumpy, and that’s okay!
Check Oven Temp: Oven temperatures vary! I recommend using an oven thermometer for consistent results, so your bread doesn’t over- or under-bake.
Let It Cool Fully: The bread slices much better after cooling, so practice patience for the best texture and appearance.

How to Serve Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Best Vegan Banana Bread, vegan banana bread recipe, moist vegan banana bread, easy vegan banana bread, healthy vegan 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 love topping slices with a smear of vegan butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for breakfast. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt makes it a little more special—and it tastes fabulous, especially alongside a strong cup of coffee.

Side Dishes

This banana bread is a fantastic companion to fresh fruit salad or a warm bowl of oatmeal. I sometimes serve it with a handful of nuts and some vegan cream cheese for brunch gatherings—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I slice the banana bread into thick pieces and layer them like a dessert stack, adding layers of vegan whipped cream and fresh berries. It transforms simple banana bread into a show-stopping treat without much extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. After that, it keeps well refrigerated for up to a week without drying out. Just make sure it’s sealed well so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors.

Freezing

Banana bread freezes like a dream! I slice it first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer bag. This way, I can grab a slice or two whenever I want without thawing the whole loaf. It keeps perfectly for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds—just enough to warm through without drying it out. If you like, add a pat of vegan butter on top while it’s warm for a luscious finish.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness, so I wouldn’t go below half the amount called for, or the texture might change. Also, experimenting with brown sugar or coconut sugar can add a different depth of flavor while keeping it wholesome.
What if I don’t have ground flaxseed?

If you don’t have ground flaxseed on hand, chia seeds work as a great vegan egg substitute when mixed with water (same ratio). Another option is to use commercial egg replacers or even mashed avocado, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Just keep in mind that flaxseed adds a subtle nuttiness that’s hard to beat!
How do I tell when the banana bread is done?

The best way is the toothpick test: insert a clean toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Avoid underbaking, which can make the loaf gummy, or overbaking, which dries it out—checking at about 50 minutes is a good timing guideline.
Can I make the banana bread gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. I’ve done this successfully, and while the texture is slightly different, it’s still moist and flavorful. Just keep an eye on baking times as they can vary with gluten-free flours.

Final Thoughts

This Best Vegan Banana Bread Recipe has become my go-to comfort bake—whether I’m cheering up a friend, starting my day with a smile, or gifting a homemade treat. I hope it brightens your kitchen as much as it does mine. Don’t be shy to personalize it and make it your own. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll earn a special place in your baking repertoire, too. Now, let’s get baking!