There’s something irresistibly comforting about banana bread-its golden crumb, sweet aroma, adn tender crumb evoke memories of cozy kitchens and shared moments. Now, imagine that beloved classic transformed into a wholesome vegan treat, bursting with natural flavors and studded with crunchy walnuts for an added textural delight.This Wholesome Vegan Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts recipe marries nourishment and indulgence, inviting both plant-based eaters and curious food lovers to savor a slice that’s as good for the soul as it is for the body. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, prepare to discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a loaf that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
wholesome Vegan Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts recipe
Wholesome vegan banana bread with crunchy walnuts recipe combines the comforting coziness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, delivering a perfect balance of moistness and texture in every slice. This loaf is more than just a simple snack - it’s a celebration of plant-based baking that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your palate. Inspired by traditional banana bread’s rich history, this recipe elevates the experience by focusing on wholesome ingredients and expert techniques to achieve an irresistible crumb.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 15 minutes
- Baking: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
This recipe yields one standard 9×5-inch loaf, serving 8 to 10 slices.
Difficulty Level
Easy - perfect for novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ⅓ cup refined coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon for warmth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Lightly grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Toast the walnuts: Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat; stir frequently until fragrant and golden brown,about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl,whisk together the sifted flour,sugar,baking soda,salt,and optional cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher. Add the melted coconut oil, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Fold with a spatula just until no flour patches remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
- Stir in walnuts: Reserve a small handful for topping. Fold the toasted walnuts into the batter to disperse crunchy bites throughout the loaf.
- Pour batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved walnuts evenly over the surface for a visually inviting finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently lift the bread using parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely for best slicing.
Tips for Success: Elevate Your Wholesome Vegan Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts Recipe
- Banana quality: Use bananas that are heavily spotted or mostly brown for natural sweetness and moisture – they’re the star ingredient!
- Oil choice: Refined coconut oil keeps the flavor neutral; however, avocado or light olive oil work wonderfully too.
- Mix lightly: Keep stirring gentle; overworking the batter develops gluten and makes the bread dense, losing that tender crumb.
- Milk substitution: Any unsweetened plant milk (oat, soy, cashew) works; keep it at room temperature for smooth batter integration.
- walnut variations: Substitute half walnuts with pecans or add vegan chocolate chips for added decadence.
- Make-ahead: Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Creative Serving Ideas: Enjoy Your Wholesome Vegan Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts Recipe all Day
- Morning boost: Toast a slice and spread with natural almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for an energizing start.
- Midday snack: Serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt and fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
- afternoon delight: Pair warm slices with a rich cup of Vietnamese iced coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
- Dessert option: Top warm bread with vegan vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for an indulgent yet wholesome treat.
- Garnish ideas: Fresh mint leaves, cinnamon dusting, or a light spread of vegan cream cheese elevate presentation and flavor.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Discover more vegan baking tips & recipes on our site
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Q&A
Q&A: Wholesome Vegan banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts Recipe
Q: What makes this banana bread recipe vegan and wholesome?
A: This banana bread skips all animal products-no eggs,dairy,or butter. Rather, it relies on ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, combined with plant-based ingredients like flaxseed or chia seeds as egg substitutes, whole wheat or all-purpose flour, and heart-healthy walnuts. The result is a nourishing loaf that’s kind to animals and your body.
Q: How do the walnuts contribute to the texture and flavor?
A: Walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist crumb of the banana bread.Their slightly bitter, earthy notes also balance the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, giving each bite complexity and depth.
Q: Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! as bananas are naturally sweet, you can reduce the added sugar or replace it with alternatives like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or date syrup. Just keep in mind that changing the sweetener might slightly alter the moisture and texture, so adjustments in baking time or liquid content could be needed.
Q: What is the best way to ensure the banana bread stays moist?
A: Using overripe bananas is key-they’re packed with moisture and natural sugars. Additionally, adding a bit of plant-based yogurt or applesauce can boost moisture without making the bread too dense.Make sure not to overbake; test with a toothpick inserted in the center-moist crumbs clinging to it mean your bread is perfectly tender.
Q: Can this recipe be adapted for gluten-free diets?
A: Yes! Substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to mimic the structure gluten provides. Remember to check your baking powder is gluten-free, and you might need to add a bit more liquid or an extra egg substitute to maintain the right texture.
Q: How do I store my vegan banana bread to keep it fresh longer?
A: wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped; thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer for a warm treat.
Q: Are there any creative add-ins that work well with this banana bread?
A: Definitely! You can toss in vegan chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth. Just be mindful not to overload the batter, so it bakes evenly.
Q: what kitchen tools do I need to prepare this banana bread?
A: A mixing bowl, a whisk or spoon for combining ingredients, a loaf pan, and a basic oven are essentials. You might also find a food processor handy if you want to finely chop walnuts or blend wet ingredients smoothly.
Q: How can I make this recipe nut-free while keeping it crunchy?
A: Swap walnuts for seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch and add nutritional benefits. You could also toast some oats or crispy quinoa as a topping for texture without nuts.
Q: What is the best stage to add the walnuts in the mixing process?
A: Fold the chopped walnuts in last, right after the wet and dry ingredients are combined. This prevents overmixing, which can make the bread tough, and ensures the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
To Wrap It Up
Baking this wholesome vegan banana bread with crunchy walnuts isn’t just about creating a flavorful treat-it’s a small act of kindness for your body and the planet. Each bite melds naturally sweet bananas with the satisfying snap of toasted walnuts, delivering comfort and nutrition in perfect harmony. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or savoring it as a midday snack, this recipe invites you to celebrate plant-based goodness with every crumb. So next time you’re craving something nourishing and delightful, remember: wholesome vegan banana bread is more than a recipe-it’s a warm, inviting embrace from your kitchen to your heart.
