There are a few foods we absolutely cannot live without. Sweet potatoes. Oats. Nut Butter. And bananas. We stock up on those 19 cent-per-pound bananas at Trader Joes as if it were a limited time only offer. They’re just so versatile. Even when bananas go “bad,” you can freeze them and they magically turn into ice cream. April 18 is National Banana Day, so we’ve rounded up the best vegan banana recipes out there, from classic banana bread to a few more unique dishes. Buy a bushel now so they’re ripe in time for the holiday!
Part banana bread, part banana cake, 100% delicious. The secret to this chocolate-infused baked good is a can of coconut milk. This ingredient gives the cake a moist texture and decadent mouthfeel. The cake is perfectly sweet on its own, but it would not truly be complete without a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the recipe here.
Despite their seeming simplicity, banana pancakes are often difficult to get right. Sometimes, bananas can give off a gummy texture, which is never appealing. Toss gluten-free into the equation, and you have the issue of grittiness as well. This recipe has overcome both texture issues to create light, fluffy, banana-flavored hotcakes worthy of any brunch. Top with additional banana slices, some powdered sugar, maple syrup, (and) or warm vegan butter.
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Turn that basic banana muffin into a delightful treat by adding a rich crumb topping. The buttery textured topping adds the perfect contrast to the moist, slightly sweet muffin. Skip the coffee shop pastry case and make your own muffins at home. Bonus: they freeze well!
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Can’t decide what you want? These cupcakes have it all. They are dark chocolate chip-studded, maple-infused banana bread bites topped with a maple icing and banana chips. Bring these to your next work event or potluck, just don’t expect leftovers.
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Picture a frozen chocolate-covered banana, slathered in peanut butter, in milkshake form. Made from whole food ingredients (with a few optional vegan chocolate chips), this tastes like a guilty pleasure – without the guilt. Grab a spoon and dive in!
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Peanut butter. Banana. Vegan Honey. The classic Elvis combination is perfect for oatmeal. For a breakfast truly inspired by The King, top your oats with some homemade or store-bought vegan bacon chips.
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Do you have a family recipe that you love, but uses eggs? Most baked goods, such as cakes, pancakes, and quick breads, can be veganized by using a banana as a natural egg replacer. Substitute 1/4 cup mashed banana (about half a banana) per egg.
Get the recipe here.
Get the recipe here.
This nearly-raw pie is incredibly luxurious; no one will know it’s only made from whole food ingredients, with no processed sugar. The blended coconut and cashew filling make it incredibly rich and creamy. This pie will be your new go-to to impress your vegan-skeptical family members, co-workers, and your significant other.
Get the recipe here.
This one requires a bit of commitment as it not only requires the patience to bake banana bread but then let it cool and use it to make french toast. However, the time is well worth the end result. You’ll never make french toast using regular bread again.
Get the recipe here.
A banana split is fairly self-explanatory, but sometimes we get stuck and need some inspiration. Go beyond vegan vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, nuts, and maraschino cherries. Let your mind run wild with toppings…coconut whipped cream, vegan caramel, sauteed apples, sprinkles, brownie or cookie dough bites, crushed cookies…you get the idea. Have fun!
Get the recipe here.
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker.
This post was last modified on December 15, 2020 7:29 am