Delicious & Easy Vegan Banana Recipes: From Loaf to Ice Cream & More!

2 週間前

Got a bunch of ripe bananas looking for a purpose? Don't let them go to waste! Bananas are incredibly versatile, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, making them a perfect ingredient for a variety of plant-based delights. Whether you're craving a comforting baked treat, a refreshing dessert, or a quick, healthy snack, these easy vegan banana recipes have you covered.

Discover how simple it is to transform those yellow fruits into delicious, healthy, and dairy-free creations that everyone will love. We'll show you how to whip up a fluffy vegan banana loaf, create instant dairy-free banana ice cream, and share even more clever ways to enjoy bananas every day.

Why Bananas Are a Must-Have in Your Kitchen

Bananas aren't just tasty; they're nutritional powerhouses! They're famous for being high in potassium, which is essential for muscle function and blood pressure, and a great source of fiber, aiding digestion. Plus, they count as one of your five-a-day! Many people also find that eating a banana before bed helps promote restful sleep due to its magnesium and tryptophan content.

For vegan and plant-based cooking, bananas are particularly valuable. Their natural sweetness means you often need less added sugar, and their unique texture makes them an excellent egg substitute in baking, binding ingredients and adding moisture without any dairy or eggs.

Easy Vegan Banana Loaf

This simple recipe is perfect for using up those overripe bananas and results in a moist, flavorful loaf that's ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as soy milk or oat milk)
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted vegan butter
1/2 cup brown sugar (or less, depending on banana ripeness and preference)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not in dict, will not link)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt (not in dict, will not link)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, plant-based milk, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Quick Homemade Vegan Banana Ice Cream (Nice Cream)

Craving ice cream without the dairy? This "nice cream" is incredibly simple, requires only a few ingredients, and comes together in minutes for a healthy, satisfying treat.

Ingredients

2-3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen (ensure they are very ripe for best sweetness)
1/4 - 1/2 cup plant-based milk (start with less and add more if needed)
Optional additions: a dash of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, or a spoonful of peanut butter

Instructions

Place the frozen banana slices into a strong blender or food processor.
Add 1/4 cup of plant-based milk.
Blend, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will look crumbly at first, then pasty, and finally transform into a smooth, creamy ice cream consistency. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if it's too thick to blend.
Stir in any optional additions like vanilla, cocoa, or peanut butter and blend briefly to combine.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for an hour or two for a firmer scoopable ice cream.

Beyond the Basics: Versatile Banana Uses & Tips

Bananas are culinary chameleons! Here are more fantastic ways to incorporate them into your daily meals:

Smoothies & Shakes: Blend fresh or frozen bananas with soya milk and other fruits like strawberries or blackberries for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink. A simple banana milkshake with just bananas and plant-based milk is a classic for a reason!
Banana as an Egg Substitute: In baking, one mashed ripe banana can replace one egg, especially in recipes like pancakes, muffins, or cakes. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Delicious Fruit Salads: Mix sliced bananas with other fresh or frozen fruits for a vibrant and satisfying fruit salad. The banana adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
Boost Your Curries: Surprisingly, adding banana to savory dishes like curries can introduce a subtle sweetness and unique creaminess that elevates the flavor profile.
Pre-Bed Snack: As mentioned, a banana before bed might just be the secret to a more restful night's sleep.

Variations & Customizations

Feel free to get creative with these recipes!

For the Banana Loaf: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or a swirl of peanut butter to the batter.
For the Nice Cream: Experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding a scoop of protein powder, a drizzle of maple syrup, or blending in other frozen fruits like berries for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Option: For the banana loaf, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Relevant Images

Fresh, ripe bananas on a kitchen counter, ready for use in various recipes. Ripe bananas, perfect for baking and blending.

A close-up of a perfectly baked vegan banana loaf, golden brown and inviting. A slice of homemade vegan banana loaf.

A refreshing vegan banana smoothie in a glass with a straw, topped with a banana slice. Cooling banana smoothie, a great way to use fresh bananas.

Share Your Creations!

We hope these ideas inspire you to get cooking with bananas! Try out these recipes and tell us how they turned out. What's your favorite way to enjoy bananas? Share your feedback and photos on abillion to inspire others in our plant-based community!