The Ultimate Maple-Walnut Vegan Banana Bread

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This heavenly banana bread is here to win hearts with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor. Thanks to naturally sweet bananas, a touch of maple syrup, and the tender crumb that only plant-based ingredients can provide, each slice is a decadent way to treat yourself—any time of day.

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Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and non-dairy milk. Stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended, creating a smooth, golden mixture.

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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so stir lightly until you see no more streaks of flour.

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If you’d like extra texture and flavor, fold in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Slip the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice and enjoy warm for the best experience.

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This recipe is perfect for plant-based eaters, those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods, or anyone with an insatiable sweet tooth. You can swap the walnuts for chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. If you’re looking to limit sugar, reduce the maple syrup and add an extra banana for natural sweetness. The result is consistently moist, irresistibly fragrant, and endlessly customizable—an essential addition to any recipe collection.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.