Name: Vegan Banana Bread
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 large very ripe bananas; ¾ cup (packed; 150 g) light brown sugar; ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 3 Tbsp. white miso; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, sifted; ½ tsp. baking soda, sifted; ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt; ½ cup coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao); ½ cup (packed; 100 g) light brown sugar; ¼ cup oat, almond, or coconut milk; ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt; 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter or plant butter (optional)

A loaf of sliced vegan banana bread on a serving plate.

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton

Looking for the absolute best vegan banana bread recipe? I promise, this miso and chocolate banana bread will surely win you over. My partner hates eating sweets, and it converted him into a banana bread lover—the loaf was gone in no time.

So what is it that makes this vegan banana bread so delicious? It’s moist, perfectly salty, and just sweet enough. The miso brings depth and richness that mellows out the sweetness of the bread, while applesauce works to both replace the egg and keep things moist, along with the brown sugar. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the bread is glazed with a simple gooey oat milk caramel after baking that sets up as it cools. (Feel free to sub in your favorite milk here—almond or coconut milk will work, or even cow’s milk if you’re not trying to keep it vegan.) With just 25 minutes of active prep time, you can have a loaf around for lazy weekend brunches or afternoon snacking.

This recipe appears in our Vegan Comfort Food Meal Plan for 2023. Click through for more of our favorite vegan desserts.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

61 Easy Vegan Recipes for Low-Effort Plant-Based Meals
These easy vegan meals are free from meat and dairy—but they’re also free of fuss.
23 Miso Recipes for More Subtly Savory Flavor in Every Bite
The fermented soybean paste adds salty-sweet umami to soups, stir-frys, and even desserts.
21 Breakfast Ideas Without Eggs So You Don't Have to Buy a Carton
Cringing at the price of eggs at your local store? Breakfast can happen without them.
19 Lovable Loaf Cakes for Simple Snacking
These cakes can be fancy enough for a dinner party or low-key enough for anytime nibbling.
Our 71 Newest Recipes on Epicurious
Not sure what to cook? We’ve got fresh, hot recipes coming right up.
What Is Miso, and How Do I Choose the Right One for What I’m Cooking?
There are over 1,300 types of miso produced globally. We’re diving into the ingredient’s rich history, plus how to shop for, store, and cook with miso paste.
31 Banana Recipes to Put That Ripe (Or Overripe) Bunch to Work
Start your morning with banana pancakes and end the day with a slice of chocolaty banana cake.
23 Vegan Brunch Ideas for Leisurely Weekend Feasts
Change up your weekend routine with a few new brunch recipes.
A Vegan Comfort Food Meal Plan to Chase Away the Winter Blues
A week’s worth of meals that focus on the vegetables—and the coziness.