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Vegan Maple Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Vegan Maple Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas and natural maple syrup, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. With a blend of warm spices and optional mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips or walnuts, it’s an easy and delicious plant-based treat that’s gluten-free adaptable and free from refined sugar and dairy.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 x (~360g total) medium very ripe bananas (about 1 2/3 cups of mashed banana)
  • 2/3 cup (225g) maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) dairy-free milk
  • 1/2 cup (125g) neutral flavored oil (or melted vegan butter)
  • 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose plain flour (spoon and leveled; for gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Mix-ins & Toppings

  • 3/4 cup (130g) roughly chopped vegan chocolate or chocolate chips (or chopped walnuts)
  • 1 x (120g) medium ripe banana (sliced lengthways, for topping)
  • Additional vegan chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or rolled oats for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Adjust an oven rack to the lower third and preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal. You may use a larger pan if preferred.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mash the ripe bananas until they form a thick and slightly lumpy paste. This provides the natural sweetness and moisture base for the bread.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup, dairy-free milk, neutral oil (or vegan butter), vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract (if using) to the mashed bananas. Mix these together until thoroughly combined, ensuring an even wet batter.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift or measure out the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (or nutmeg), baking soda, and salt. Add all dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Some lumps are acceptable as long as there is no dry flour remaining.
  5. Fold in Mix-ins: If you’re using vegan chocolate chips, walnuts, or other mix-ins, fold them in gently at this point to evenly distribute without overmixing.
  6. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optionally, decorate the top with sliced banana, extra chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts for a decorative and tasty finish.
  7. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. If the top browns too quickly before the center is done, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  8. Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs indicating the bread is cooked through.
  9. Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set for easier slicing.
  10. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the loaf into slices. Serve warm or at room temperature. For neater slices, cool completely before cutting.
  11. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly. It keeps at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Rewarm before serving if desired.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder.
  • You can vary the spices by using nutmeg instead of cinnamon or a combination for a warmer flavor.
  • If vegan butter is used in place of oil, melt it first for easier mixing.
  • Adding vinegar helps the baking powder and baking soda react to create a lighter texture, but it is optional.
  • Do not overmix the batter as it can lead to denser bread.
  • Letting the bananas become very ripe (even spotted or black-skinned) enhances natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Tent with foil during baking if the loaf browns too quickly to avoid a burnt crust with undercooked interior.
  • The bread slices freeze well, individually wrapped for convenient snacks or breakfasts.

Keywords: vegan banana bread, maple banana bread, dairy-free banana bread, plant-based banana bread, gluten-free banana bread option, healthy banana bread, vegan baking, breakfast bread

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/vegan-maple-banana-bread-recipe/