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This Easy 5 Ingredient Vegan Banana Bread is the perfect sweet snack or breakfast. And yes you read that right. It only requires 5 simple ingredients that you probably have lying in your kitchen.
I know a lot of us made banana bread at least of few times over the course of the past year (#quarantine). I had plenty of time to experiment with my recipe.
I wanted a completely vegan bread (no eggs & no dairy) for everyone to enjoy and I tweaked the recipe so it only requires 5 ingredients. But don't worry there are optional add ins for those who like a little extra flavor like me!
Jump to:
Highlights
- Only 5 ingredients
- Egg & dairy free (vegan)
- Super moist
- Loaded with 2 cups of mashed bananas
- Optional add ins for more flavorful and texture
Ingredients
- Brown sugar: I have only tested this recipe with brown sugar. I imagine coconut sugar or white sugar would work but I can’t guarantee it will come out the same.
- Coconut oil: You can use vegetable oil or olive oil instead. Note - olive oil will have a less neutral flavor.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Instructions
before you start
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Mash your bananas. I recommend using a fork or an electric mixer.
Step 1: Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with a strip of parchment paper and grease lightly with spray oil.
Step 2: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer and a medium bowl), beat the mashed banana and oil on medium high until well combined.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar. Continue beating on medium high until well combined.
Step 4: In this order, add the flour and baking soda.
TIP - Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Use a fork and lighty mix the baking soda and flour together on top of the wet ingredients.
Step 6: Use a spatula, fold the flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients until just combined. It is okay if there are a few pockets of flour.
TIP - Do not over mix the dry ingredients! This will make the loaf tough and dense.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and spread into an even layer.
7Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of the batter. Using your hands, press the brown sugar into the batter slightly.
Step 9: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing.
Step 10: Use parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan. Slice and enjoy!
TIP - If your bread is starting to look too brown, you can loosely cover it with foil as it finished baking.
Expert Tips
- Use overripe bananas (brown and spotty). The more ripe, the sweeter and softer they will be.
- Use parchment paper. This will make your loaf super easy to remove from the pan.
- Measure your ingredients correctly. The best way to ensure you use the correct measurements is to weigh all of the ingredients using a kitchen scale.
- Spoon and level your flour. Use a spoon to scoop the flour gently into the dry measuring cup. Use a knife to level the top and scrape off access. This prevents the flour from being packed into the measuring cup.
- Do not over mix the dry ingredients! This will make the loaf tough and dense.
- If your bread is starting to look too brown, you can loosely cover it with foil as it finished baking.
FAQs
Store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to one week. I highly recommend reheating a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds.
The batter in the center finishes cooking last and by that time the top has already cooked. The air from the center rises and breaks the top. This is nothing to worry about.
Quick breads require a leavening agent to help them rise. This recipe uses baking soda. Be sure it is not expired or old.
You can add cinnamon, chocolate chips, nuts, or other dried fruits. Be sure to not add too much or you will weigh down the loaf.
Oil and baking soda. The oil creates moisture because it is fat. The baking soda creates aeration throughout the loaf. Both are necessary!
I have not tested this recipe with gluten free flour but I imagine a good quality all purpose gluten free flour would work.
Related Recipes
Easy 5 Ingredient Vegan Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (472g) mashed overripe bananas (4-5 large bananas)
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 cups (260g) all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Topping
- ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar
- optional add-ins: ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¾ cup chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with a strip of parchment paper and grease lightly with spray oil.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer and a medium bowl), beat the mashed banana and oil on medium high until well combined.
- Add the brown sugar. Continue beating on medium high until well combined.
- In this order, add the flour and baking soda.
- Use a fork and lighty mix the baking soda and flour together on top of the wet ingredients.
- Use a spatula, fold the flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients until just combined. It is okay if there are a few pockets of flour.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of the batter. Using your hands, press the brown sugar into the batter slightly.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing.
- Use parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan. Slice and enjoy!
Can I use almond flour?
I have not tried the recipe with almond flour!