Vegan Banana Bread with Sunflower Seeds – Moist & Easy

There’s something deeply comforting about the sweet aroma of baking banana bread wafting through a cozy kitchen. I often think back to the times I’d trot into my grandmother’s kitchen and find her pulling a loaf of warm banana bread from the oven. The buttery scent filled the room, promising a delightful treat! If you’re anything like me, maybe you’ve scrolled through countless recipes, attempting to find one that not only sounded delicious but was also friendly for novice bakers. Well, you’re in for a treat! This Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds is incredibly easy to make, even if it’s your first attempt at baking. Trust me; you’ll be crafting your own cozy kitchen memories in no time!

Why I Love This Recipe of Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because, not only is it plant-based, it also gives me a sense of accomplishment every time I bake it. The best news? It’s unbelievably forgiving for those who are just starting out in the kitchen. From the sweet aroma of ripe bananas to the crunchy texture of sunflower seeds, this banana bread is a wholesome, guilt-free treat that can brighten even the dreariest of days.

When you combine soft, overripe bananas with whole grains and sprinkle in some sunflower seeds, you’re creating not just bread, but a warm hug that tastes just like home. This recipe isn’t just for vegans; it’s for anyone who loves a delicious loaf that speaks of simplicity and joy. Plus, making it is therapeutic—so why not indulge in a bit of self-care while you bake?

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds

Now let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for a mix of essentials and a few optional add-ons to cater to your taste buds.

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Essentials:

• 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our bread, giving it a light texture.
• 1/2 cup (75g) whole-wheat flour: Adding this gives a subtle nuttiness and extra fiber.
• 1/2 cup (100g) soft brown sugar: For sweetness and depth of flavor, plus an extra 1/2 tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Because the warmth of cinnamon makes everything cozier!
• 1 tsp baking powder: This will help our loaf rise perfectly.
• 1 tsp baking soda: A crucial ingredient for making the bread light and fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• 3 large or 4 small overripe bananas: These are the stars of our show! Riper bananas mean sweeter bread.
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar: This adds a hint of tang and helps react with the baking soda for leavening.
• 1/3 cup (80ml) liquid coconut oil: For moisture and that lovely coconut flavor.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) oat milk or soy milk: This keeps the recipe vegan; feel free to choose your favorite plant-based milk.
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds: These add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.

Optional Add-Ons:

Feel free to get creative! You can add:

• Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture and flavor.
• Chocolate chips: For a sweet twist that’s loved by all.
• Dried fruit: Raisins or cranberries can add bursts of sweetness.
• Protein powder: For an added nutritional boost!

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

If you’re out of any specific ingredient, here are some straightforward swaps:

• Flour: If you don’t have whole wheat flour, use more all-purpose flour or try a gluten-free blend.
• Coconut oil: Apple sauce can replace this for a lighter version.
• Sugar: You can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust liquid ingredients accordingly.

How to Make Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds Step-by-Step

Let’s dive into the comforting process of making this delightful loaf. It goes like this:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to preheat at 356°F (180°C). While it’s warming up, line your 8×4 inch (21×11 cm) loaf pan with baking paper or grease it lightly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This blend will make your baking journey smoother, so set it aside.

3. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, take the overripe bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork. The ripeness is key; the fruit should be soft enough to easily break apart.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the soft brown sugar, coconut oil, oat milk (or the plant-based milk of your choice), and apple cider vinegar to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. We want these two to come together without over-mixing—just fold until no flour streaks are visible.

6. Add Sunflower Seeds: Finally, fold in the sunflower seeds. They’ll give your banana bread some delightful crunch.

7. Pour Batter into Loaf Pan: Pour your carefully mixed batter into the prepared loaf tin, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. To add a touch of sweetness on top, sprinkle the leftover brown sugar over the batter.

8. Bake: Place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. It’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool Down: Once baked, carefully remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice and Enjoy: Slice into your perfectly baked loaf, and experience the soft, fluffy middle surrounded by a lightly crunchy crust. Leftover slices can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, it’s always good to be aware of common pitfalls:

Not Using Overripe Bananas

Bananas that aren’t ripe enough can lead to a dry, lacking sweetness in your bread. Always opt for bananas that are well beyond their prime—brown and spotty is what you want!

Overmixing the Batter

Once you combine your dry and wet ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread, and nobody wants that! Just fold until combined, and leave a bit of lumps if needed.

Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly

Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial. Make sure to use the correct tools and practices for measuring out flour, sugar, and liquids. Let’s avoid those “oops” moments!

Skipping the Cooling Time

Trust me, the cooling stage is essential. Cutting into your banana bread too early may result in it falling apart. Give it those precious 20 minutes to set.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds

Now that you’ve baked your loaf of Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds, let’s make it even more delightful with some serving suggestions.

With a Generous Slather of Nut Butter

Spread some almond butter or peanut butter over a slice for a protein-packed breakfast or snack. The combination of nut butter’s creamy texture with your banana bread is nothing short of heavenly.

Warm with Coconut Whipped Cream

If you’re looking for a little indulgence, serve your banana bread warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. This balances out the sweetness and adds a luxurious creaminess.

As Toast with Jam

Lightly toast your banana bread slices and add your favorite jam or fruit preserves. Strawberry or blueberry jam is an excellent complement and adds a delightful fresh fruit twist.

With Slices of Fresh Fruit

Pair your banana bread with fresh fruit like slices of orange or apple. It adds freshness to each bite and makes your breakfast feel complete.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Once you get the hang of this easy banana bread recipe, here are some pro tips to elevate your baking game.

Experiment with Flavors

Once you feel comfortable with this basic recipe, try adding spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract for an additional depth of flavor. You can even experiment with different kinds of plant milk!

Try Other Seeds and Nuts

Sunflower seeds are fantastic, but don’t hesitate to change things up. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can add lovely textures and flavors.

Mix Up the Sweeteners

Beyond brown sugar, consider trying syrup or even date sugar for a unique twist. Each can impart its own subtlety in flavor and sweetness.

Make Mini Loaves

If you like the idea of sharing or gifting, consider pouring the batter into mini loaf pans. They will bake for around 40-50 minutes, allowing you to enjoy banana bread in smaller portions.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Making this Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds is easier than it looks, and with each bite, you’ll find it’s both cozy and classic. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the simple fact that it’s beginner-approved. You can customize it to fit your taste buds, whether you prefer added sweetness or flavor twists.

If you’ve loved this recipe, why not share it with friends or family? Start your next baking adventure and create some delightful memories in your kitchen today.

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FAQs About Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds

Now, gather those ingredients and start baking your very own loaf of Vegan Banana Bread With Sunflower Seeds. You won’t regret it!