Classic Vegan Banana Bread with a Nutty Twist is a healthy, plant-based take on the traditional banana bread, made without eggs or dairy but still packed with flavor. The addition of nuts gives it a delightful crunch and extra texture. It’s the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert!
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
.3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
.1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
.1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup (for sweetness)
.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
.1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (for flax egg)
.3 tablespoons water (to make flax egg)
.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a heartier version)
.1 teaspoon baking powder
.1/2 teaspoon baking soda
.1/4 teaspoon salt
.1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
.1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or any nuts you prefer, like pecans or almonds)
.1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for a chocolatey touch)
.1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flax Egg:
.In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as the egg replacement.
2. Preheat the Oven:
.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mash the Bananas:
.In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You can leave a few small chunks if you like a bit of texture in your banana bread.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
.Add the flax egg, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
.In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but moist.
7. Add the Nuts and Optional Ingredients:
.Gently fold in the chopped walnuts (or other nuts), chocolate chips (if using), and applesauce (if desired) for extra moisture and flavor.
8. Pour and Bake:
.Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
.Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The bread should be golden brown on top.
9. Cool and Serve:
.Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once it’s fully cooled.
Enjoy!
This Vegan Banana Bread with a Nutty Twist is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. The addition of nuts and chocolate chips adds texture and a bit of indulgence to the bread. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and it also makes for a great snack or gift!
Tips & Variations:
.Flaxseed: If you don’t have ground flaxseed, you can substitute it with chia seeds to make a chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
.Substitute for maple syrup: You can use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or even coconut sugar if you prefer less processed options.
.Nut-free: If you’re allergic to nuts, simply leave them out or substitute them with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds).
.Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins, like dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
This banana bread is not only delicious but also full of wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect go-to treat when you’re craving something comforting and vegan-friendly!
