If you’re craving a delicious, moist, and wholesome treat, this Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with ripe bananas and fresh blueberries, this loaf offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and fruity zest that makes it wonderfully flavorful and satisfyingly tender. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, this Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread recipe brings joy to every bite without any dairy or eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together effortlessly for a foolproof bake.
- Moist Texture: Naturally moist thanks to ripe bananas and plant-based oils without relying on butter or eggs.
- Fresh Blueberries: Adds a juicy burst of flavor and vibrant color in every slice to brighten your day.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Great for breakfast on-the-go, afternoon snacks, or even a guilt-free dessert.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making it suitable for various diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread relies on a handful of wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create an irresistible loaf. Each component plays a vital role, from the bananas’ natural sweetness to the blueberries’ freshness and the flour’s structure.
- Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient that provides moisture and sweetness, making the bread tender.
- Fresh Blueberries: Juicy bursts of flavor and a delightful pop of color throughout the bread.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a hearty texture and keeps the bread wholesome and nutritious.
- Plant-Based Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and keeps the loaf moist without dairy.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances flavor without overpowering the fruit.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure the bread rises beautifully, making each slice light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aroma and depth of flavor to the batter.
- Coconut Oil or Neutral Oil: Keeps the bread moist and adds richness without heaviness.
- Ground Flaxseed: Acts as an egg substitute to bind ingredients together while adding nutrition.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Variations for Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
One of the best parts about this Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment and make it your own, whether you want to boost nutrition, tweak the flavor, or accommodate dietary needs.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Mixed Berries: Swap or combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a berry blast.
- Chocolate Chip: Incorporate vegan chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Spiced Flavor: Toss in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to add warmth and aromatic depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bread accessible for gluten sensitivities.
How to Make Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency, acting as the vegan egg replacement.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the prepared flax egg, maple syrup, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a good rise.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold together just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread dense.
Step 5: Fold in Blueberries
Carefully fold in fresh blueberries so they spread evenly, but try not to break them to prevent the batter from turning purple.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely so it slices without crumbling.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots make the bread naturally sweeter and moister.
- Do Not Overmix: Stir batter gently to keep the bread tender and avoid a tough crumb.
- Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries hold their shape better, but frozen can work in a pinch—just add them frozen straight into the batter.
- Check Doneness Early: Oven temperatures vary; start checking your bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let It Cool Completely: Cooling ensures the bread sets well and slices cleanly without falling apart.
How to Serve Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
Garnishes
Top slices with a light spread of vegan butter or coconut yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence without overpowering the bread’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a relaxing breakfast or afternoon snack that feels like a treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and lightly toast the bread, then serve with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for an inviting brunch plate that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week to keep it fresh.
Freezing
Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; frozen bread lasts up to 3 months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster or oven at low heat for a few minutes to refresh the bread’s soft texture and enhance its aroma before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well—just add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent crushing and turning the batter purple.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe uses whole wheat flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend with similar volume for a gluten-free version.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Agave nectar or coconut sugar dissolved in the wet ingredients can be good alternatives depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
Lightly tossing blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly and prevents sinking to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is a heartfelt recipe that combines the best of natural ingredients and simple techniques for a treat everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re vegan or just love a wholesome snack, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a few fresh bananas and blueberries can create something deliciously memorable.
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Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Optionally Gluten-Free
Description
This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is a moist, wholesome loaf bursting with ripe bananas and fresh blueberries. Made without dairy or eggs, it offers a tender texture and natural sweetness perfect for breakfast, snacks, or healthy dessert. Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a delicious, allergen-friendly treat suitable for various diets.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 6 tablespoons water (for flax egg)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or substitute agave nectar or dissolved coconut sugar)
- 1/3 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, added directly without thawing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency, acting as the vegan egg replacement.
- Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the prepared flax egg, maple syrup, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until everything is well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold together just until combined to avoid overmixing and a dense bread.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries so they spread evenly without breaking them, preventing the batter from turning purple.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely so it slices cleanly without crumbling.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid a tough crumb.
- Fresh blueberries hold shape better, but frozen blueberries can be added directly without thawing.
- Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts without crumbling.
- Toss blueberries lightly in flour before folding to prevent sinking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
