Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread: A Cozy Indulgence

Have you ever found yourself staring at a bunch of ripe bananas on your kitchen counter, wondering why no one in the house ever seems to finish them? I have, more times than I’d like to admit. There’s something about those overripe beauties that always makes me think of the warm, comforting smell of banana bread baking in the oven. It takes me back to my childhood, where my mother would whip up loaves of banana bread on rainy afternoons—her secret ingredient was love, sprinkled into each mix.

The beauty of this Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread recipe is that it makes that nostalgic comfort food accessible to everyone, whether you are a seasoned cook or a nervous novice in the kitchen. I promise, you’ll find this recipe easy, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your first attempt at baking! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll create a loaf that fills your home with a cozy aroma and your heart with happiness.

Why I Love This Recipe for Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread

This Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it an embodiment of comfort, but it’s also the perfect recipe for beginner cooks. You don’t need to be a master baker to pull this one off, and its forgiving nature makes it ideal for those just starting their culinary journey. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of moist banana, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweetness—all while being entirely plant-based.

Moreover, using ripe bananas is a genius way to reduce food waste, transforming what might otherwise end up in the compost into something delicious. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating something beautiful and nourishing from everyday ingredients. In a world of fast food and takeout, this is a cozy reminder that homemade love can come from the simplest recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread

Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s collect our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread to life:

Print

Essentials:

• 50g Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil (Plus Extra for the Tin): This is your fat for the recipe, responsible for creating a moist loaf. Coconut oil also adds a subtle flavor, while sunflower oil is neutral and light. If you’re looking to keep things easy, sunflower oil is a great go-to.

• 200g Self-Raising Flour: This flour is a quick solution for leavening your bread, allowing for a lighter texture. If self-raising flour is unavailable, feel free to use all-purpose flour with a teaspoon of baking powder added for lift.

• 25g Ground Almonds: These give a lovely nutty flavor and improve the bread’s texture. They also add some healthy fats and protein, making your loaf a bit more wholesome.

• 1 tsp Baking Powder: This is an essential leavening agent that ensures your bread rises beautifully in the oven.

• 75g Light Muscovado Sugar: This sugar adds a deep, rich sweetness without being overpowering. Its molasses-like qualities also provide a great depth of flavor.

• 4 Dates Finely Chopped: Dates not only add natural sweetness but also create a chewy texture that works wonderfully in the bread. They’re also jam-packed with nutrients!

• 3-4 Very Ripe Bananas Mashed: The star of the show! Use those bananas that are more brown than yellow. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring your bread is soft and delicious.

• 3 tbsp Soya Milk: This plant-based milk helps to loosen the mixture, creating the perfect batter consistency. You can use any non-dairy milk you prefer, such as almond or oat milk.

• 75g Walnut Pieces, Toasted: Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor of the bread. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Essential Add-Ons and Substitutions

1. Chia Seeds: Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds can give you an extra dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the aromatic profile of your vegan banana bread. They add warmth and comfort to each bite.

3. Substitutions: If you’re looking for alternatives, you can replace muscovado sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar, and you can use apple sauce as a substitute for oil to make this loaf even lighter.

4. Shortcuts: If you find yourself short on time, you can use a food processor to quickly mash the bananas and mix the batter. Just ensure you don’t overprocess the walnuts.

How to Make Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake? Let’s walk through the process together step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin

First, preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens, or gas mark 6). While it’s warming up, take a 450g loaf tin and gently brush the inside with a little oil. For an extra layer of protection, line the tin with baking parchment. This will make it easier to remove the bread once it’s cooked.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, ground almonds, baking powder, light muscovado sugar, and finely chopped dates. Stir everything together well with a whisk to ensure even distribution of all the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the very ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth. Add the coconut or sunflower oil and mix well until combined. The warmth of the mashed bananas will help melt the coconut oil if you’re using it.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, pour the wet banana-oil mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix them together gently. Be careful not to over-stir—just combine until there are no pockets of dry flour. We want our bread to stay light and fluffy!

Step 5: Add the Milk and Walnuts

Next, pour in the soya milk to help loosen the batter. Fold in the toasted walnut pieces with a spatula. Again, be gentle and ensure everything is incorporated without overworking the mixture.

Step 6: Transfer to the Loaf Tin

Once the batter is smooth and combined, scrape it into the prepared loaf tin. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.

Step 7: Bake

Place the tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. If the top of the bread starts to look too brown, feel free to cover it lightly with aluminum foil. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, it is ready. If not, give it another 10 minutes in the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow the bread to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the tin and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help you achieve the perfect loaf of Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing can lead to dense and gummy bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ones.

Using Insufficient Ripe Bananas

Make sure your bananas are very ripe! They should be speckled with brown spots. Less ripe bananas don’t provide enough sweetness or moisture, resulting in a bland loaf.

Skipping the Toasting Step for Walnuts

Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step! A little bit of oil in the pan can help bring out their natural oils.

Incorrect Oven Temperature

Every oven is different! Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the loaf inside. If you’re unsure, an oven thermometer can be a handy tool to ensure accuracy.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread

Once your Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread has cooled, it’s time to enjoy! Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

Fresh Out of the Oven

Enjoy the bread warm right out of the oven. The flavors are at their peak, and the texture is wonderfully soft and inviting.

With Spreads

Spread a layer of almond butter or peanut butter on a slice for added richness. A drizzle of maple syrup can also add a sweet touch.

Toasted

Pop a slice in the toaster until golden brown, then top it with fresh fruit or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a delightful breakfast or snack.

As a Dessert

Pair slices of this banana bread with a scoop of non-dairy ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm bread and cold ice cream is simply sublime.

Nutritional Values of Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread

While enjoying this delicious treat, it’s natural to wonder about its nutritional value. Here’s a rundown of the benefits packed into each slice:

Healthy Fats

Walnuts and coconut oil provide healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Natural Sweetness

The use of ripe bananas and dates means you’re using natural sweetness instead of granulated sugar. This makes the loaf lower on the glycemic index compared to conventional banana breads.

Protein Boost

The ground almonds and walnuts contribute protein, making this loaf more filling and nutritional compared to regular banana bread.

Fiber-Rich

Bananas and nuts are excellent sources of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and supporting overall gut health.

Conclusion & Next Steps

So, there you have it! Making Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread is easier than it looks, and the results are both delicious and satisfying. You’re left with a cozy classic that any beginner can master, all while being completely customizable. Feel free to mix things up with add-ins like chocolate chips, more nuts, or even a pinch of spices.

Why not give it a try this weekend? When your friends and family catch a whiff of that irresistible aroma wafting through your home, they’ll be eager to join you in savoring this delightful treat.

Now, if you’ve enjoyed this recipe as much as I loved sharing it, I encourage you to try it out and share your own version. Remember to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

FAQs About Vegan Banana and Walnut Bread

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