Vegan Banana Bread (with Garam Masala)

A cozy banana bread spiced with cinnamon and garam masala. Tender, fragrant, and totally vegan—with a touch of whole grains and optional walnuts for crunch.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Garam Masala, Vegan Banana Bread, Whole Wheat

Servings: slices

Calories: 225kcal

Ingredients

Dry ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp garam masala

Wet ingredients

2 tbsp ground flax seed mix with 5 tbsp water
5 tbsp water for flax mixture
3 large ripe bananas peeled and mashed
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/4 cup vegan butter melted (e.g., Earth Balance)
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional

1/3 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan or 2 mini loaf pans. In a small bowl, mix ground flax seed with 5 tbsp water; set aside to thicken.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and garam masala.
In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Stir in brown sugar. While stirring, slowly stream in melted vegan butter, then add applesauce, the flax mixture, and vanilla.
Tip dry ingredients over the wet and fold just until almost combined. Add walnuts (if using) and fold gently until no dry flour remains—do not overmix.
Scrape batter into prepared pan(s). Bake 55–60 minutes for an 8×4 inch loaf (about 40 minutes for mini loaves), until a tester comes out clean.
Cool in pan briefly, then transfer to a rack to cool before slicing. Enjoy!

Equipment

8x4 inch loaf pan (or 2 mini loaf pans)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or large spoon
Cooling rack

Notes

A tiny pinch of cayenne adds a fun background warmth (optional). For 100% whole wheat, use all white whole wheat pastry flour. Don’t forget the baking soda 😉.

Nutrition