Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love this Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe – it’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it combines everything I crave in a banana bread: moist, tender inside with the sweetest cinnamon-spiced crunch on top. You’ll find that it’s not just tasty, but also comforting, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy afternoon treat with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

When I first tried this recipe, the crunchy nutty topping was a delightful surprise, adding that extra texture and flavor punch I never knew I needed. The best part? It’s fully vegan, so whether you’re plant-based or just want to try a delicious banana bread without eggs or dairy, you’re going to be amazed at how effortlessly it turns out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe works in harmony to create that cozy, familiar banana bread vibe with a delicious twist. I love using ripe bananas for natural sweetness and plant-based milk to keep it moist without heaviness.

• Bananas: Make sure they’re very ripe; that’s key for natural sweetness and moisture. The browner, the better!
• Organic all-Purpose Flour: This gives the bread its structure; I recommend organic for better flavor and quality.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a touch of molasses-like richness; lightly packed is just right.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both help the bread rise and stay light – don’t skip either.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices make the bread feel warm and festive with every bite.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk): I usually use unsweetened almond milk, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This little trick helps the bread rise and adds a subtle tang to enhance flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Always a must for that classic baking aroma.
• Vegan Butter (melted): You can swap with coconut oil or vegetable oil if that’s what you prefer.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and moisture; you can substitute with agave or date syrup.
• Chopped Pecans and Walnuts: For that irresistible crunch topping that makes this recipe special.

Variations

I love how flexible this Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe is! You can easily make it your own by adding or swapping ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or mood.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve had great success using a gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill in place of all-purpose flour—just be ready to add a little extra if the batter feels too runny.
• Oil-Free Option: Once, I swapped the vegan butter for unsweetened applesauce to make it oil-free and it came out surprisingly moist and tender.
• Nut-Free Variation: If you want to skip the nuts on top, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead—your family will still go crazy for it!
• Spiced Up: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of ground cardamom or cloves for a little extra warmth and complexity.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. I like to lightly grease my loaf pan with vegan butter or coconut oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving some hangover on the sides. This trick makes it super easy to pull the bread out once it’s baked without it sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Make the Vegan “Buttermilk” Mix

In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together your almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly—it’s a game-changer that gives the bread a light texture and subtle tang.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now, in a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas really well. Add melted vegan butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your almond milk-vinegar mixture. Whisk everything together until smooth and combined. This part is fun—you’ll get to see the banana sweetness shine right here.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Stir

Next, carefully add your flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—remember, do not over-mix! The batter should look a little lumpy, which keeps your bread tender.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunch Topping

In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, walnuts, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, break it down into small pieces. Pour in the partially melted vegan butter and combine until the mixture looks crumbly but still sticks together when pressed. This topping is what makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crunch topping all over until it’s completely covered. To ensure an even bake and prevent a doughy center, I like to poke very small holes in the batter halfway through cooking using a skewer or toothpick.

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 25-30 minutes before gently lifting it out with the parchment paper to cool completely on a rack.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my slices with a light spread of vegan butter or almond butter, which melts perfectly and adds richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny dusting of cinnamon on top for an extra cozy touch right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples, or serve alongside a dairy-free yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for a wholesome breakfast or brunch spread that impresses every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread in thick slices with scoops of coconut whipped cream and fresh mint leaves on top. It immediately elevates it from simple bread to a delightful dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly wrap leftover slices in foil or store the whole loaf covered in a cake stand to keep it fresh up to a week in the fridge. If you leave it at room temperature, just expect it to be best enjoyed within 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is fantastic if you want to make this bread ahead of time. Wrap slices individually in parchment and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. I love having these on hand for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or bake wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread moist and brings back that warm, fresh-baked feeling. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving covered for 20-30 seconds works too, but it’s not quite as good.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake and share. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients coming together to create something both nostalgic and exciting. Give it a try the next time you have some ripe bananas waiting and see why it quickly becomes a family favorite. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

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