Dairy-Free Banana Bread

Dairy-Free Banana Bread is a moist, tender, and naturally sweet loaf made without butter or any dairy products. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like ripe bananas, vegetable oil or coconut oil, and non-dairy milk to create a comforting, flavorful bread that everyone can enjoy.

It’s a perfect solution for those who are lactose-intolerant, vegan, or simply prefer lighter baked goods. Despite being dairy-free, the bread is rich, soft, and flavorful, with the natural sweetness of bananas shining through.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, forgiving, and incredibly versatile. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the non-dairy milk ensures a soft texture. You don’t need any special ingredients, and it comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time.

The aroma of banana bread baking fills the kitchen with warmth, making it a truly comforting and satisfying treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Moist and soft: Even without butter, this bread is tender and delicious.
• Dairy-free and allergy-friendly: Perfect for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and one loaf pan.
• Versatile: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for variety.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~200–220 kcal per slice

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, vegetable oil, or melted dairy-free butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (optional, for texture)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk)
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan.
2. Mash bananas and mix wet ingredients.
3. Combine dry ingredients separately.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
5. Pour batter into loaf pan.
6. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth.
2. Stir in oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oat flour (if using), baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix Batter

1. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Do not overmix to avoid dense bread.
3. Fold in optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool

1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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How to Serve

• Slice and enjoy on its own for a wholesome snack.
• Spread with nut butter, vegan cream cheese, or jam.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful.
• Do not overmix: Overmixing can result in dense bread.
• Check oven temperature: Begin checking at 50 minutes.
• Moisture: Add 1–2 tbsp non-dairy milk if batter feels too thick.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips.
2. Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans.
3. Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or ground ginger.
4. Blueberry Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To Freeze:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

Wire cooling rack

Large mixing bowl

Medium mixing bowl

Loaf pan (9×5-inch)

Fork or potato masher

Spatula

Conclusion

Dairy-Free Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and wholesome loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Using simple, plant-based ingredients, it’s easy to make, customizable, and delicious.

Whether served warm with nut butter, enjoyed plain, or sliced for a quick snack, this dairy-free banana bread is a must-try for anyone seeking a comforting and healthy treat.

Dairy-Free Banana Bread

Dairy-Free Banana Bread is a moist, tender, and naturally sweet loaf made without butter or any dairy products. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like ripe bananas, vegetable oil or coconut oil, and non-dairy milk to create a comforting, flavorful bread that everyone can enjoy.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Breakfast

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 50 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner

10

Servings

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• ¹⁄₃ cup coconut oil, vegetable oil, or melted dairy-free butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
• ¹⁄₂ cup oat flour (optional, for texture)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk)

Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients : In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk.
3. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oat flour (if using), baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Step 4: Mix Batter : Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid dense bread. Fold in optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
5. Step 5: Bake : Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Cool : Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Keywords: Dairy-Free Banana Bread