Dairy-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Dairy-Free Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Inspiration

I have always loved the warm, comforting aroma of banana bread wafting through my kitchen. When I decided to make a dairy-free version, I was surprised at how easy it was to create a loaf that was just as moist and flavorful as the original. Using simple substitutions, I managed to capture that classic taste while making it accessible for those who are dairy-free. This recipe has quickly become a go-to for my family and friends, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:53:34.768Z

Creating this dairy-free banana bread was a delightful journey. I had a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to whip up something special. Experimenting with almond milk and coconut oil as substitutes for dairy, I was amazed at how well these ingredients worked together, resulting in a moist, delicious bread that everyone loved.

During my baking trials, I discovered that letting the batter sit for a few minutes before baking enhanced the flavors even more. It allowed the bananas to meld beautifully with the other ingredients. I also like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth—trust me, it makes a world of difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to ripe bananas
Simple ingredients that are easy to find
Perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of ripe bananas is crucial for this dairy-free banana bread. Not only do they add natural sweetness, but their moisture content is what makes the bread surprisingly tender. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled and soft to ensure they blend smoothly into the mixture. If you have overripe bananas that are past the point of eating, this recipe is a perfect way to use them up.

Coconut oil is another key ingredient that contributes to the bread's richness while keeping it dairy-free. When melted, it should be warm but not hot—if it's too hot, it could cook the other ingredients, affecting the texture. For a different flavor profile, you can substitute with melted olive oil or avocado oil, but be aware these will slightly alter the taste.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to combine them gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bread due to the development of gluten in the flour. Aim for a slightly lumpy batter, as this ensures a light texture. Using a spatula rather than a whisk for this step can help avoid overmixing while still incorporating everything properly.

Baking time is also essential; every oven is different. Start checking the bread at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. A golden-brown crust is also a good visual indicator that it’s ready to come out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your dairy-free banana bread.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your dairy-free banana bread.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with a little coconut oil.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, flour, and cinnamon (if using).

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Extras

Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious dairy-free banana bread!

Once baked, enjoy a slice of this lovely banana bread warm or toasted!

Pro Tips

You can freeze this banana bread for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Dairy-free banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, but to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. To keep it fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you’d like to enjoy your banana bread even longer, slice it and freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each slice individually for convenience.

For a quick breakfast or snack, toast slices of the banana bread to give them a warm, slightly crispy texture. It pairs perfectly with a smear of nut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. You can even serve it warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Possible Variations

Feel free to customize this banana bread by incorporating different add-ins that fit your taste. For example, shredded coconut, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or nuts like pecans can add exciting textures and flavors. If you're a chocolate lover, increase the chocolate chips to 3/4 cup for a more decadent treat. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may require slight adjustments to the baking time.

You can also adjust the sweetness based on your preference. If your bananas are exceptionally ripe, you might want to reduce the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Similarly, if you're looking for a less sugary version, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, keeping in mind that this may alter the wet-to-dry ratio slightly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw them and use them as you would fresh bananas.

→ What can I substitute for almond milk?

You can use any non-dairy milk like soy, oat, or coconut milk.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is done.

→ Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits, nuts, or even spices.