Description
Banana Bread is a comforting and moist treat made with natural ingredients and plant-based alternatives. This easy-to-make recipe offers a tender crumb, natural sweetness from ripe bananas, and the flexibility to customize with nuts, spices, or fruits. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this Banana Bread is wholesome, flavorful, and suitable for a variety of diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup natural brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup plant-based chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup seeds (sunflower or pumpkin) for nut-free version
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried berries
- Additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan thoroughly. Gather ripe bananas, flour (or gluten-free blend), natural brown sugar, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract (natural), natural gelling agent, and any optional ingredients you plan to use. Mash the bananas completely until smooth for easy integration into the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, natural brown sugar, and vanilla extract (natural) until smooth. Add the mashed bananas and mix until fully combined and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, ground cinnamon (if using), and natural gelling agent. This helps ensure an even rise and light texture.
- Assemble the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread dense. At this point, fold in any optional chopped nuts, chocolate chips, seeds, berries, or additional spices as desired.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for even baking.
- Adding plant-based milk enhances moisture and richness.
- Start testing for doneness about 10 minutes before the end of baking time to avoid dryness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 to 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana bread, plant-based, moist banana bread, gluten-free banana bread, natural ingredients, vegan banana bread, easy banana bread
