Vegan Banana Bread Recipe with Oats and Optional Nuts

Name: Vegan Banana Bread Recipe with Oats and Optional Nuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 1 loaf, about 10 slices
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients: 3 whole very ripe medium bananas, mashed; 120 ml neutral vegetable oil; 200 g granulated sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 250 g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp fine salt; 90 g rolled oats; 60 g chopped walnuts, optional

Moist plant-based banana bread with rolled oats, vanilla and optional chopped nuts.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 20 minMakes 1 loaf, about 10 slices

Jump to Recipe

This vegan banana bread uses ripe bananas, oil and oats for a moist loaf with a little chew. The source’s ingredient list includes oats and optional nuts, while its method omits them; fold them in at the end so they are distributed through the batter. Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for sweetness and mash them thoroughly. Let the loaf cool before slicing, since the soft crumb needs time to set. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23-by-13-cm loaf pan. Mash bananas in a large bowl. Whisk in oil, sugar and vanilla until combined. In another bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Fold into the banana mixture just until no dry flour remains.

Vegan Banana Bread Recipe with Oats and Optional Nuts

How to tell when it is ready

Bake 55 to 65 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Tips

Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mash bananas in a large bowl.
In another bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Fold in oats and walnuts, if using.

Troubleshooting

If the top darkens early, tent loosely with foil.
If the middle is gummy, bake longer and check with a skewer near the centre.

Substitutions

Use whole-wheat pastry flour for up to half the flour; the loaf will be denser.
Use pecans or omit the nuts.

Variations

Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Fold in 60 g dark chocolate chips.

Serving suggestions

Serve toasted with nut butter.
Pair with plain yogurt and fruit.
Spread with vegan butter.
Pack a slice as a snack after it has cooled.

Make ahead

Measure the ingredients ahead. Follow the storage guidance after cooking: Wrap and keep at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Storage

Wrap and keep at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Food safety

Cool completely before wrapping. Discard if mold appears or the loaf has an unusual smell.

Frequently asked questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas with brown-speckled skins and a soft interior; they mash easily and give the loaf more sweetness.

How should I store vegan banana bread with oats?

Wrap and keep at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Serve toasted with nut butter. Wrap and keep at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Vegan Banana Bread Recipe with Oats and Optional Nuts