Delicious Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk banana bread! Specifically, let’s talk about a breakfast (or snack, or even dessert!) that is guaranteed to be a hit: Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping. My oldest actually requested this last week for her school bake sale (proud mama moment!).

This Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping isn’t just a recipe; it’s a survival strategy. I mean, who hasn’t looked at those browning bananas on the counter and felt the familiar 5 PM panic rising? You know the feeling, right? Dinner is looming, the kids are circling like hangry sharks, and you need a win. A delicious, everyone-will-actually-eat-it win.

I remember the first time I made this, I think it was a rainy Sunday, and I had a pile of laundry higher than my toddler. My daughter was obsessed with helping in the kitchen. It turned into a whole family event. The house smelled amazing, and for about 30 minutes, we all forgot about the chaos. That’s what this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping is all about: a little bit of peace in our beautifully chaotic lives.

And hey, if you’re anything like me, a “perfectly ripe” banana is one that’s still edible. We are moms; we’re efficient! Let’s turn those speckled bananas into something magical. So, grab your mixing bowl and your slightly-too-ripe bananas, and let’s get baking! I’m here to hold your hand (virtually, of course – I’m probably elbow-deep in Play-Doh right now) and guide you through creating a Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping that will make you a hero in your own home. Ready? Let’s do this!

Here’s the lowdown on what you need to whip up this amazing Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping. Trust me, this list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 3 large, overripe bananas, mashed: This is key! The riper, the sweeter and moister your Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping will be.
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil: Adds moisture and a subtle coconut flavor. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute with any other neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil in this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness. I sometimes use coconut sugar for a slightly healthier twist to the Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor. You can grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run for this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of our bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: For that perfect rise!
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, cold and cubed: Make sure it’s COLD!
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is what makes the Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping so good!

No worries if you don’t have vegan butter on hand – I use a blend of coconut oil and a little applesauce all the time when I bake my family their favorite Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping. It works like a charm! And this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping doesn’t have to break the bank; check your local discount stores for affordable ingredients. You can easily adapt this dairy-free banana bread to be as budget-friendly as possible!

A tip I’ve found is that you can mash your bananas ahead of time and freeze them. That way, you have ripe bananas ready to go whenever the craving for Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping strikes! My family loves when I add extra cinnamon to the topping, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Alright, here’s the step-by-step to banana bread glory! Don’t worry, it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (and almost as satisfying!). Making this easy vegan banana bread is a great way to spend some time with your kids in the kitchen.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Or use parchment paper! I always use parchment paper so that the Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping can easily come out of the pan.
2. Mash Those Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small chunks are okay – adds character! I like to get the kids involved here.
3. Wet Ingredients Unite: Add the melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well. Here’s where I used to mess up my Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping – make sure your coconut oil isn’t too hot, or it will cook the bananas!
4. Dry Ingredients Join the Party: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed in our Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping!
5. Combine & Conquer: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough banana bread.
6. Cinnamon Crunch Time: In a small bowl, combine all topping ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the vegan butter into the flour and brown sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This cinnamon crunch banana bread vegan topping is the star!
7. Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon crunch topping evenly over the top. This will give us that amazing texture and flavor in the Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping.
8. Bake it ‘Til You Make It: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! In my chaotic kitchen, this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping usually takes about 55 minutes, but ovens vary.
9. Cool & Devour (Eventually): Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know, the wait is torture, but it’s worth it! Your Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping should smell amazing by now. While your Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

Don’t panic if your Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping looks a little cracked on top – that’s just the cinnamon crunch doing its thing! And hey, if the top starts to get too brown, loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.You’ve just made an incredible dairy-free banana bread!

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping…now what? Here’s how we devour it in my house!

The kids devour this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping when I serve it with a smear of peanut butter and a glass of almond milk. It’s a filling and relatively healthy snack that keeps them going until dinner. My husband loves it warmed up with a dollop of vegan ice cream.

This Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. I often slice it up and pack it in their lunchboxes for a sweet treat. It’s also a fantastic option for brunch with friends. It’s a great centerpiece for any gathering!

Sometimes, I’ll get fancy and drizzle a little vegan caramel sauce over the top for an extra special treat. Presentation-wise, I just slice it up and arrange it nicely on a plate. No need to get too elaborate – it looks and smells delicious all on its own! And let’s be real, who has time for fancy plating?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can slice it up and freeze it for a quick and easy breakfast or snack later. Another great idea is to use the bread to make french toast the next day!

We also love adding chocolate chips to the batter, or even a handful of chopped walnuts. You could even add a swirl of pumpkin puree for a fall-themed twist. For more fall flavors, this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping reminds me of another family favorite, this pumpkin cinnamon swirl bread. It’s always a hit!

My friends are always asking for the recipe after they try it. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure!

Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully) answers! Here are some common concerns I hear from my mom tribe about this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping.

• Can my picky eater handle this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping?
  • Honestly, it’s worth a shot! The sweetness and soft texture are usually a hit. You can also leave out the cinnamon crunch topping if they’re particularly sensitive to textures.
• What if I burn my Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • We’ve all been there! If it’s just a little dark on top, you can carefully trim off the burnt parts. If it’s burnt all the way through…well, that’s a learning experience. Maybe try lowering the oven temperature next time.
• Can I make this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping ahead for meal prep?
  • Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld. You can bake it on the weekend and enjoy it all week long. This will save you during those hectic mornings!
• What’s the best way to store this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping?
  • In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like to slice it before freezing, so I can easily grab a piece whenever I want one.
• Can I use different types of flour?
  • Yes! Whole wheat flour works well, but it will give the bread a slightly denser texture. You can also use a gluten-free blend.
• My bananas aren’t super ripe. Can I still use them?
  • You can, but the bread won’t be as sweet or moist. You can add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or agave to compensate. Or, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes to soften them up.
• Can I add chocolate chips to this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping?
  • Heck yes! Chocolate chips make everything better. My kids love when I add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.

If you love this dairy-free banana bread you should check out these other banana bread recipes.

So, there you have it! My go-to Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping recipe. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of sanity in our crazy mom lives. This recipe is special to my family because it’s something we can all agree on. It’s a great way to use up those browning bananas and create something delicious that everyone will enjoy.

Here are my Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping Mom Hacks:

• Freeze mashed bananas: Always have ripe bananas ready to go!
• Double the recipe: Make two loaves – one to eat now, one to freeze for later.
• Get the kids involved: Let them help with mashing, mixing, and sprinkling the topping.

Family-Tested Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My son loves this version!
2. Walnut: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. My husband prefers this one.
3. Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This reminds me of this Easy Vegan Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread – Early Brawd.

I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add your favorite spices, nuts, or chocolate chips. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process. Because even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly (and let’s be real, sometimes it won’t!), you’ll still have made something delicious and shared a little bit of love with your family. For another great cinnamon recipe check out this crockpot cinnamon applesauce.

You got this, Momma! Now go bake some magic with this Vegan Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping! You will love this recipe from the perfect {vegan} banana bread – The Baking Fairy. This Crunchy Vegan Banana Bread from Orchids + Sweet Tea is a great option also!