Name: One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (about 1 to 1 ¼ cup mashed, 340 g); ½ cup cashew butter (120 g); ½ cup pure maple syrup (160 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 g); 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g); ½ cup whole wheat flour (60 g); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 g); 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g); ½ teaspoon baking soda (3 g); ¼ teaspoon salt (1 g); ¼ cup mini vegan chocolate chips; or ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

If you’ve been searching for a wholesome, straightforward treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’re going to love this One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe. It’s a charming twist on the classic banana bread, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of cashew butter, all without a splash of oil. The simplicity of tossing everything in one bowl and letting the oven do its magic means you’ll have a moist, tender loaf packed with comforting flavors and free from any guilt. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is sure to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a bunch of ripe bananas with brown spots. Across the surface, there are seven small white bowls and measuring cups holding different ingredients: one large white measuring cup filled with flour at the left side, a smaller white measuring cup with another white powder near it, a round white bowl with a smooth beige paste, a small yellow bowl with a liquid, a white spoon with a reddish-brown powder, a small white bowl with a mix of salt and other spices, and a small dark cup with a dark liquid. The items are spaced out evenly, creating a clean and organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a clear purpose, bringing essential flavor, texture, and moisture without complicating the process. From ripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and moistness to whole wheat and all-purpose flours that give structure, you’ll feel great about every bite!

3 ripe bananas: These bring natural sweetness and keep the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
½ cup cashew butter: Adds creamy richness without oil, plus a subtle nutty flavor.
½ cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that blends beautifully with the bananas.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
1½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the loaf structure and a soft crumb.
½ cup whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty depth and a touch of wholesome fiber.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and pairs perfectly with banana.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity of the bananas to give lift.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
Optional add-ins: Mini vegan chocolate chips or chopped pecans/walnuts for extra texture and indulgence.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mash the Bananas

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. Then, grab a large mixing bowl and mash those 3 ripe bananas until mostly smooth — leaving a few lumps is perfectly fine because they add a lovely texture to the final bread. This simple step unlocks the natural sweetness and moisture that is the heart of this recipe.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add the ½ cup of cashew butter, ½ cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract directly into the bowl with your mashed bananas. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, glossy batter. This no-oil combination keeps your banana bread moist and rich, while still being light and fluffy once baked.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

It’s time to sprinkle in the dry ingredients — 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently fold these in until just combined. Don’t overmix! The goal here is to keep your batter tender and airy. If you’re feeling indulgent, now’s the moment to fold in optional vegan chocolate chips or crunchy nuts for that extra wow factor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven, and after about 45 minutes, test with a toothpick — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. That’s how you know your One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe is perfectly baked: golden, aromatic, and beautifully springy.

How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe

A golden-brown loaf cake with a slightly cracked top layer, showing a soft and moist inside texture beneath. It is baked in a clear glass rectangular dish lined with off-white parchment paper that folds over the edges, resting on a black cooling rack with a grid pattern. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A slice of this banana bread shines on its own, but if you want to elevate your experience, a light spread of vegan butter or a drizzle of pure maple syrup takes it to the next level. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon sugar add a burst of color and extra flavor. The tambre of the cinnamon pairs so well with these little finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This banana bread complements so many simple sides — think a steaming cup of your favorite vegan coffee or tea, a dollop of plant-based yogurt, or a bowl of fresh fruit. It’s a naturally balanced breakfast or snack when paired with protein-rich nuts or a refreshing smoothie to round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Turn the batter into muffins for easy grab-and-go snacks or mini loaf breads perfect for gifting. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with almond butter or make a decadent banana bread French toast topped with berries for a brunch special that will wow friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The banana bread stays soft and moist, making it just as delightful the next day—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

To keep your One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe fresh longer, freeze the whole loaf or individual slices by wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds to bring back that freshly baked charm. If you want a lightly crisp exterior with a warm center, toasting is your best bet. It makes your banana bread feel freshly baked all over again!

FAQs

Can I use almond butter instead of cashew butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond butter works beautifully as a substitute and will slightly change the nutty undertone, but the moisture and richness remain just as lovely. Make sure to use a smooth, creamy almond butter for the best texture.

Do I have to use both all-purpose and whole wheat flour?

Using both flours gives a nice balance of structure and heartiness, but you can swap the whole wheat for more all-purpose if you prefer a lighter loaf. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different without the whole wheat’s nuttiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as written because it uses all-purpose and whole wheat flours. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture and rise.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are very speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown; these are sweeter and mash down easily, which helps your bread turn out super moist and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Simply pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins make a perfect portable snack or gift!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe enough if you want a fuss-free, nourishing treat that feels both comforting and wholesome. It’s a joy to make, delightfully healthy, and so delicious you might find yourself baking it again and again. Do yourself a favor and try it soon — your taste buds will thank you!

One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread (Oil Free) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need