Moist Vegan Banana Bread – Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar

I still remember the first time I bit into a slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. The warm, sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen instantly invoked a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly day—so comforting, like being wrapped in a soft blanket while sipping a favorite cup of tea. If you’ve ever craved that simple pleasure or perhaps want to recreate those cherished moments, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing with you my beloved recipe for Vegan Banana Bread that’s not only oil-free and free from refined sugars, but also incredibly easy to make. I promise you, even if it’s your first time baking, this recipe will be a breeze. Let’s dive into the flavorful adventure together!

Why I Love This Recipe of Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar)

This vegan banana bread holds a special place in my heart for various reasons. First, it’s an embodiment of health-conscious baking. By using wholesome ingredients, I’ve transformed a traditional favorite into something that aligns with a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste. The comforting aroma as it bakes in the oven feels like a warm invitation to gather with loved ones.

Beginner cooks will find joy in this recipe—it’s straightforward and requires minimal effort while delivering satisfying results. Plus, the cozy ambiance that fills your kitchen while baking this bread puts a smile on my face every time. The best part? You can sprinkle in your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile recipe that you can customize as you please.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar)

Baking this delicious Vegan Banana Bread requires simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s break it down:

Print

Essentials:

• 400 g / 14 oz (about 1¾ cups) mashed ripe bananas: The stars of the show! Choose bananas that are at their peak ripeness—dotted with brown spots for maximum sweetness. You can use extra banana slices for decoration.

• 120 ml / ½ cup maple syrup: A natural liquid sweetener that adds moisture and sweetness. You can also substitute it with agave syrup or date syrup if you prefer.

• 120 g / ½ cup drippy almond butter: This creamy nut butter adds richness and serves as a healthy fat alternative. If you’re allergic to nuts, feel free to use sunflower seed butter.

• 5 ml / 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (optional): This little splash of acidity helps to brighten the flavors and enhances the banana’s natural sweetness.

• 200 g / 7 oz (scant 1¾ cups) all-purpose wheat flour, spelt flour, or gluten-free flour mix: Choose your preference; all-purpose is standard, while spelt flour offers a nutty flavor, and gluten-free options cater to dietary needs.

• 1½ tsp baking powder: A vital ingredient for the bread to rise.

• ¾ tsp baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for that fluffy texture.

• ½ tsp sea salt: A pinch enhances the flavor balance.

• 1½ tsp cinnamon (optional): For a touch of warm spice, which brings a lovely depth to the banana bread.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Nuts or Seeds: Consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.

• Dried Fruit: Currants or raisins can add a sweet surprise.

• Vegan Chocolate Chips: Because who doesn’t love a chocolatey twist?

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

If you find yourself missing an ingredient or two, don’t worry! Here are a few handy substitutes and shortcuts:

• Bananas: You can use apple sauce in a 1:1 ratio in a pinch, but note that the flavor will change.

• Almond Butter: Any nut or seed butter will work. Just make sure it’s drippy for best results.

• Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour mix works well if you need to avoid gluten.

• Sweetener: Other liquid sweeteners such as agave or brown rice syrup will also do the trick.

With all these ingredients and options at your disposal, let’s get started on making this sumptuous Vegan Banana Bread!

How to Make Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar) Step-by-Step

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to baking the most delightful Vegan Banana Bread you’ve ever tasted:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 170° C / 340° F. This temperature will ensure a beautifully baked loaf. While that warms up, it’s time to prepare your bread tin.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bread Tin

Line a 900 g / 2 lb bread tin with baking paper. This will help with easy removal of the bread later. Additionally, I suggest moving the oven rack down one notch from the center. This will allow for even baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas, maple syrup, and almond butter. Use a fork or a whisk and mix very well until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, take a sieve and place it over your bowl with the wet ingredients. Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon in 2-3 batches. This step is crucial as it helps prevent any clumping, creating a smooth batter.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Start by making small circles in the middle of the batter. As you fold, progressively incorporate more and more of the dry ingredients. The goal here is to avoid a lumpy texture. You want a batter that flows easily but isn’t overly runny.

Step 6: Transfer to the Bread Tin

Pour this lovely batter into your prepared baking tin. It should be fairly pourable. For a lovely decoration, cut another banana in half lengthwise and place it on top of the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Place the bread tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out fairly clean (remember, this cake should be moist, so it’s fine if it’s a little sticky).

Step 8: Cooling Time

Once your kitchen is filled with that glorious aroma, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool down completely in the tin. This is important—if you try to slice it while it’s still warm, it may seem underbaked and not hold together well.

To cut it, I recommend using a serrated knife for neat-looking slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though making Vegan Banana Bread is a straightforward process, there are a few pitfalls you can avoid to ensure the best possible outcome:

1. Using Unripe Bananas

Ensure your bananas are truly ripe—think brown spots and soft texture. Unripe bananas won’t give you that natural sweetness or moisture that makes this bread so delightful.

2. Skipping the Cooling Time

It’s tempting to dive right into a warm slice, but this can lead to a gummy texture. Allowing the bread to cool completely helps it firm up, making it easier to slice.

3. Overmixing the Batter

While you want to combine the ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread. Mix just enough until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

4. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science! So measuring your ingredients with precision is vital. Use a scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar)

Once your banana bread has cooled and you’ve sliced it into beautiful pieces, you can enjoy it in several delightful ways:

1. Breakfast Treat

Serve a generous slice of banana bread with a dollop of nut butter or non-dairy yogurt on top and a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome breakfast. Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee to start your day on a delicious note.

2. Afternoon Snack

A slice or two of this banana bread makes an excellent afternoon snack. Enjoy it plain or with a light spread of fruit preserve for that extra layer of flavor.

3. Dessert Delight

Consider warming a slice of banana bread slightly in the microwave and topping it with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. It’s a comforting dessert that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.

4. Gift Idea

If you have a friend or a loved one who appreciates healthy eats, this banana bread is a lovely gift. Wrap it in eco-friendly packaging with a handwritten note, making for a heartfelt homemade present.

Nutritional Values of Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar)

Understanding the nutritional profile of your Vegan Banana Bread makes it easier to fit it into your healthy lifestyle:

• Calories: Each slice (based on 10 slices from the loaf) contains approximately 150-180 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Fats: Since this recipe is oil-free, the fat content primarily comes from almond butter, contributing healthy fats beneficial for heart health.

• Carbohydrates: A slice contains around 30-35g of carbohydrates, offering a quick energy boost thanks to natural sugars from bananas and maple syrup.

• Protein: You can expect about 3-4g of plant-based protein per slice, especially if you include nut butter or seeds.

• Fiber: The recipe provides around 2-3g of dietary fiber per slice, promoting digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.

This banana bread is a delightful balance of nutrition and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion!

Conclusion & Next Steps

Baking Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar) is easier than you think! With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re bound to create a delicious dish that’s not just good for you, but also a joy to eat. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless.

So go ahead—gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! I promise it will fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy. If you love it, please share your experience or variations you’ve tried in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!

FAQs About Vegan Banana Bread (Oil-Free & No Refined Sugar)

Now that you know how simple and enjoyable it is to make Vegan Banana Bread, grab some bananas and start baking! This cozy recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!