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Freshly sliced loaf of vegan banana bread on a wooden board, surrounded by ripe bananas, walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon sticks.

Dairy-Free Vegan Banana Bread with Ripe Bananas and Oat Milk

Servings 12 slices
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper
  • 2 mixing bowls (one large for wet ingredients, one medium for dry)
  • Measuring cups (for both dry and liquid ingredients)
  • Measuring spoons
  • 1 Fork (for mashing bananas)
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Rubber spatula or wooden spoon (for folding ingredients)
  • 1 Toothpick or cake tester (to check doneness)
  • 1 Wire cooling rack
  • 1 Kitchen timer
  • 1 Optional: kitchen scale (for more precise measurements)

Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas mashed (about 1½ cups)
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup plant-based milk almond, oat, or soy
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy removal.
    Empty loaf pan lined with parchment paper, ready for vegan banana bread batter.
  • In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas with a fork until no chunks remain.
    Partially mashed bananas in a glass bowl with a fork, ready to be mixed for vegan banana bread.
  • Whisk in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, plant milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    Maple syrup being poured into a mixing bowl with mashed bananas for vegan banana bread preparation.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
    Dry ingredients including flour and cinnamon being whisked together in a white mixing bowl for banana bread batter.
  • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
    Person mixing flour into a bowl of mashed bananas with cinnamon, next to ripe bananas and a jar of nutritional yeast.
  • If using walnuts, fold them in now with just a few strokes.
    Glass bowl filled with banana bread batter and chopped walnuts, ready to be stirred in.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
    Vegan banana bread batter being poured into a parchment-lined loaf pan on a wooden surface.
  • Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
  • Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a wire rack.
    Freshly baked vegan banana bread in a loaf pan with golden crust and cracked top, resting on a wooden board.
  • Cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
    Freshly sliced loaf of vegan banana bread on a wooden board, surrounded by ripe bananas, walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Use extremely ripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and moisture
  • Don't rush the mashing process—banana chunks should be completely broken down for even distribution
  • Keep mixing to a minimum once you combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid developing too much gluten
  • For a more intense banana flavor, brown your bananas in the oven before mashing—place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until blackened
  • Position the loaf in the middle rack of your oven for even heat distribution

Elevate This Dish

Transform this classic vegan banana bread with these professional techniques:

Streusel Topping

Create a crunchy topping by combining 1/4 cup oats, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Sprinkle over the batter before baking for a bakery-style finish that adds delightful texture contrast.

Flavor Infusions

Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha banana bread, or incorporate 2 teaspoons of orange zest for a citrus-infused variation that brightens the banana flavor and adds complexity.

Caramelized Banana Slices

Reserve half a banana, slice it lengthwise, and place it on top of the batter before baking. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar for a caramelized decorative topping that showcases what's inside.

Serving & Pairing

This versatile bread works for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Serving Suggestions

  • Slice and toast lightly, then top with almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for breakfast
  • Serve alongside vegan yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced brunch
  • For dessert, warm a slice and top with vegan vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Cut into small squares for an afternoon tea accompaniment

Beverage Pairings

  • Hot coffee or espresso for breakfast
  • Chai tea or English breakfast tea for afternoon snacking
  • Oat milk latte for a complementary plant-based pairing
  • Nut liqueurs like Frangelico for an adult dessert pairing

Storage & Leftovers

Proper storage ensures your banana bread maintains its moisture and flavor.
  • Store cooled banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
  • Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast from frozen for a quick treat
  • For maximum freshness when serving leftovers, warm slightly in a toaster oven

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 200 per slice
  • Protein: 2g per slice
  • Fiber: 2g per slice
  • Fat: 8g per slice (primarily from coconut oil and walnuts if included)
  • Carbohydrates: 30g per slice
 
For those seeking healthier alternatives, consider these modifications: substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend for more fiber; replace maple syrup with date paste for a less processed sweetener; use unsweetened applesauce to replace half of the coconut oil for lower fat content.
Calories: 200kcal
Cost: $10-$12
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bakery, cinnamon banana bread, coconut oil banana bread, dairy-free banana bread, easy vegan recipe, healthy banana bread, homemade banana bread, maple syrup banana bread, moist banana bread, plant milk recipe, Plant-based baking, vegan baking, Vegan banana bread, vegan comfort food, walnut banana bread