Introduction
There’s something absolutely delightful about the smell of fresh banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This Vegan Banana Tea Bread is a warm hug in a loaf, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack. With its rich, moist texture and natural sweetness, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress everyone, whether they’re vegan or not. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium bananas)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips, optional
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything is beautifully blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure all the dry ingredients are well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana blend, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy—overmixing can lead to a dense bread!
- If you’re adding nuts and chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now for an extra special touch.
- Pour the delightful batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which means it’s perfectly baked!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing—it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool enhances the flavors!
Notes or Tips
This banana bread is incredibly versatile! You can switch up the mix-ins based on your preference or what you have on hand. Try adding dark chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of oats on top for extra texture. For added moisture, you might consider including a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce.
Cooking Techniques
Banana bread is forgiving and straightforward, making it a great option for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs. The key technique here is to mash the bananas thoroughly. This not only adds flavor, but also ensures a moist and tender crumb. If you want to elevate the flavors, consider toasting your nuts lightly before adding them—this enhances their nuttiness and adds a delightful crunch!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How should I store leftover banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just slice it first for easy access!
Conclusion
This Vegan Banana Tea Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a journey of flavors and a nod to comfort food that warms the soul. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and enriched with the goodness of whole wheat flour, each slice promises a moist, tender experience. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch it disappear in a flash! Happy baking!