Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread, Delicious And Easy

This vegan pumpkin banana bread recipe was first published on September 16th 2024.

Banana bread has been all the rage since you-know-what back in 2020, and we have attempted a few versions ourselves. This one is a vegan pumpkin banana bread which has got nothing on the others, I can tell you: it’s delicious, easy to put together and reminds me a lot of all things fall.

Considering it is indeed the season of all things pumpkin, pumpkin spice and orange here and there, this vegan banana pumpkin bread recipe couldn’t come at a better time. It ticks all the boxes of fall, including the pumpkin, the spice, and the orange, which is pretty cool. Plus, it’s vegan, which is always a good way to reduce our intake of dairy, eggs and everything else.

You know we have a whole section of easy vegan recipes, but just in case you want to check some of them out after this vegan banana bread, look at these:

• these easy vegan pumpkin brownies are quick to make, just like these Greek kourabiethes;
• then we got these vegan hot chocolate cookies, deliciously quick to put together, or even these vegan oat flour pancakes;
• a lovely sweet potato salad, which it’s too good to pass on;
• our signature vegan brioche recipe is quite the state of the arts, and so are these vegan apple cider vinegar doughnuts;
• the majestic mushroom Wellington is indeed vegan too, just like this mushroom korma;
• a lovely clementine curd, which goes extremely well with these vegan amaretti cookies;
• the yummy in my tummy that is this vegan panna cotta;
• and lastly, these two options for a quick lunch that is vegan are the rice paper rolls with a peanut butter dip and the vegan egg mayo sandwich.

We also have a couple of extra options when it comes to banana bread:

• this banana bread has 4 ingredients and it’s extremely easy to make;
• this one has got caramel all over it, which is honestly so good;
• if you fancy a different version, we even have these banana bread biscotti dipped in chocolate which are quite delicious.

We’re about to make your new favourite vegan pumpkin banana bread

This vegan pumpkin bread is the perfect combination of fall flavours and wholesome goodness. It’s moist, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and infused with warm spices and rich pumpkin puree, making it a cosy treat for any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this plant-based recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Are bananas good for you?

Yes, bananas are good for you! They are a highly nutritious fruit, offering several health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. Here are some reasons why bananas can be a healthy part of your diet:

• Rich in Nutrients: Bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including:
  • Potassium: Essential for heart health, regulating blood pressure, and proper muscle function;
  • Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant;
  • Vitamin B6: Important for brain health and helps in the formation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine;
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle function and bone health.
• Source of Energy: Bananas are a great source of carbohydrates, mainly in the form of natural sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), which provide quick energy. This makes them an excellent pre or post-workout snack;
• Good for Digestion:
  • Dietary Fiber: Bananas contain soluble fibre, particularly pectin, which helps to regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements;
  • Resistant Starch: Found in unripe bananas, resistant starch acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut;
• Support Heart Health: The high potassium content in bananas helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, their low sodium content makes them heart-friendly;
• Aid in Weight Management: The fibre in bananas helps you feel fuller longer, which may assist in reducing overall calorie intake. They’re also relatively low in calories, making them a great option for a healthy snack;
• Natural Mood Booster: Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness;
• Support Bone Health: Although bananas don’t contain much calcium, their magnesium and potassium content contributes to bone health by helping balance the body’s calcium (Healthline).

What ingredients do I need to make this vegan pumpkin banana bread?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each ingredient we used in this vegan pumpkin banana bread and how they contribute to the recipe:

• Flour: Flour is the foundation of any bread or cake, providing structure and texture. In this vegan pumpkin banana bread recipe, all purpose flour is often used for its versatility, but you can also substitute whole wheat flour for added fibre and a denser texture. Flour binds the ingredients together and creates the light, airy crumb in your vegan pumpkin banana bread, balancing the moisture from the pumpkin and bananas;
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the moist texture of the vegan pumpkin banana bread, thanks to the molasses it contains. It has a richer, more complex flavour than white sugar, complementing the deep, earthy notes of pumpkin and spices. In vegan baking, brown sugar also helps to create a soft crumb, as it retains moisture better than refined white sugar. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar as a lower-glycemic alternative;
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil acts as the primary fat in the loaf recipe, ensuring the vegan pumpkin banana bread stays moist and tender. Unlike butter, which solidifies when cooled, vegetable oil remains liquid at room temperature, providing a consistent softness. You can use any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or even melted coconut oil for a subtle flavour. For a lighter option, applesauce can be substituted for part of the oil, adding natural sweetness without sacrificing moisture;
• Oat Milk: Oat milk is a popular plant based alternative to dairy milk, and its creamy consistency makes it ideal for baking. It adds moisture to the batter without overpowering other flavours. Oat milk also contributes a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall tenderness of the vegan pumpkin banana bread. Other plant-based milks like almond, soy, or coconut milk can be used, depending on your preference;
• Pumpkin Purée: Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient to this moist pumpkin banana bread, providing not only a deep, earthy flavour but also moisture and a rich, orange hue to the bread. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fibre, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to this baked good. The purée also helps bind the ingredients together and adds natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive sugar. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not canned pumpkin puree pie filling, which contains added sweeteners and spices;
• Bananas: Ripe bananas are another key component that brings natural sweetness, moisture, and a mild fruity flavour to the vegan pumpkin banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starches turn into sugars, making them ideal for baking. They act as an egg substitute in vegan recipes, helping to bind the ingredients and creating a tender crumb. Additionally, bananas are rich in potassium and fibre, adding nutritional benefits to the bread;
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a crucial ingredient in vegan baking because it reacts with baking powder or baking soda to create a leavening effect, giving the bread its rise. When combined with the baking powder, the acidity of the vinegar helps the vegan pumpkin banana bread become fluffy and light without the need for eggs. It also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas and pumpkin. The vinegar flavour will not be noticeable in the finished bread;
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin spice is a fragrant blend of spices, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and sometimes allspice. It provides the quintessential fall flavour to the bread, enhancing the earthy richness of the pumpkin and adding warmth and complexity to every bite. You can adjust the amount based on your preference, or even make your own blend if you want more control over the spice ratios;
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour of the vegan pumpkin banana bread by adding a sweet, aromatic depth. Even though it’s used in small quantities, vanilla complements the pumpkin, banana, and spice flavours, making them more rounded and harmonious. High-quality vanilla extract is best, as it will contribute a more robust flavour compared to artificial vanilla;
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent that gives the vegan pumpkin banana bread its lift, ensuring it doesn’t come out dense or heavy. It works by releasing carbon dioxide when combined with the acidic vinegar and moisture in the batter, helping the bread rise and creating a fluffy, light texture. This is especially important in vegan baking, as there are no eggs to help with leavening.

How do I make this vegan pumpkin banana bread?

Making this pumpkin banana bread vegan couldn’t be easier! You’ll start by preheating your oven to 180°C and prepping a loaf pan with a little oil or some parchment paper. We use a spray that will get your loaf right out of the pan, but the old parchment paper trick will do, too.

In one large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, making sure everything is nicely combined.

In another bowl, add your mashed bananas until they’re nice and smooth, then stir in the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, oat milk, vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar. Now, just pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, and gently mix until everything’s incorporated. Remember not to overdo it, as it will just make for a stodgy loaf.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool a bit before slicing, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, moist vegan pumpkin banana bread loaf ready to enjoy!

Do you have more pumpkin recipes on the blog?

We couldn’t call ourselves fall lovers if we didn’t have more pumpkin recipes on top of this vegan pumpkin bread right?

• pumpkin soup with chorizo: best comfort food for these colder days and one you can pop in a slow cooker and forget about it, or serve for Thanksgiving;
• pumpkin ganache pie: a take on a classic pumpkin pie with a delicious ganache filling that will keep you asking for more!
• pumpkin spice bricohe french toast: the most delicious recipe pumpkin breakfast you can ask for;
• pumpkin spiced latte: welcome the pumpkin season with this easy drink;
• pumpkin madeleines: small and just the sweet enough treat you need;
• vegan pumpkin banana bread: a modern twist on your usual banana bread, perfect for fall and it would be even better with some caramel sauce on top;
• pumpkin pie spice mocktail: if you are up for a drink, this is the one for you!
• pumpkin gnocchi: a classic with a modern twist that will make you re evaluate gnocchi;
• vegan pumpkin feta pasta: who said pasta and pumpkin don’t fit in the same plate?
• pumpkin cold foam: if you love anything pumpkin, you have to try this on coffee;
• pumpkin cheesecake donuts: who said donuts and pumpkin don’t fit together?
• pumpkin pie spice pancakes: breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right and a little bit of pumpkin goes on everything!
• pumpkin brioche recipe: this is the softest brioche bread you can ask for!

Can I make this pumpkin banana bread vegan recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is that it only has one ingredient that you have to swap to make it gluten free which is flour. You can use your favourite baking gluten free flour mix or go for almond flour instead.

Can I add anything else inside or on top of this vegan pumpkin banana bread healthy recipe?

You can indeed, and the choices are endless! You can:

• pumpkin seeds – they would make a great add-on for texture inside as well as on top for a bit of a crunch;
• nut butter or caramel – imagine some swirl inside into your banana batter or even on top after its out of the oven, delicious!
• chocolate chips – make your vegan chocolate pumpkin banana bread even more scrumptious by adding flavour and texture;
• peanut butter chips – peanut butter goes well on everything, am I right?
• dried fruits – if you want a healthier version, you could add dried fruits like cranberries, prunes or plums;
• oats – add them on top for a crunchy texture or even inside the banana batter for a bit of a bite;
• walnuts, because they make a great combo together. Or any other kind of nut you like, like chopped pecans and hazelnuts, to make the best pumpkin banana nut bread you ever thought of!

Shop the vegan pumpkin banana bread recipe

To wrap it all up, this vegan pumpkin banana bread is the ultimate cosy treat that brings together the warm, comforting flavours of fall in a way that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The blend of ripe bananas and pumpkin purée creates a moist, tender loaf with just the right amount of natural sweetness. Plus, with the added depth of pumpkin spice and vanilla, every bite is packed with flavour. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, taking a quick snack break, or even serving it as a dessert, this bread is versatile enough for any time of day.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can whip it up with simple pantry staples, and it’s completely plant-based, making it a great option for anyone following a vegan diet or just looking for a lighter, dairy-free option. It’s also perfect for customizing: throw in some chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even dried cranberries for extra texture and flavour. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top would take it to the next level. We like the idea of toasted vegan pumpkin banana bread slathered in butter, but you do you.

The best part? This bread stays delicious for days, making it a great option for meal prepping or as a gift to share with friends and family. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or pop it in the fridge for even longer. It freezes well, too, so you can always have some on hand for when a craving strikes. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favourite in your household, just like it did in ours.

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