If you’ve been searching for a soul-soothing treat that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with holiday cheer, then you’re in for a real delight with this Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe. Imagine the comforting blend of ripe bananas mingling with the cozy spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all swirled together with creamy vegan eggnog to create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, experimenting with plant-based baking, or just eager to try a fresh twist on classic banana bread, this recipe is a fantastic way to usher in the festive season or enjoy a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe. From the silky smoothness of coconut oil to the warm embrace of freshly ground nutmeg, these pantry staples come together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Use pure vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic base flavor that elevates the entire loaf.
- Coconut Oil, melted (6 tbsp): Adds moisture and subtle tropical notes while keeping the bread vegan-friendly.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): Helps the bread rise perfectly for a light, fluffy crumb.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warmth and spice that beautifully complement the bananas and eggnog.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Mature Bananas, mashed (1.5 medium, about 3/4 cup): Naturally sweet and moist, the stars of the banana bread show.
- Vegan Eggnog (1.33 cups): Adds rich creaminess and that signature eggnog flavor without dairy.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): King Arthur flour is recommended for consistent texture and quality.
- Coconut Sugar (1/4 cup): Provides a subtle caramel sweetness and a nice brown color, though regular brown sugar works fine too.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Freshly ground nutmeg gives an intense spicy aroma that’s vital to the “spiced” feel.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups, sifted): Needed for the optional glaze that adds a lovely sweetness on top.
- Additional Vegan Eggnog (2 tbsp, optional): Mixes into the powdered sugar for the glaze, enhancing richness.
How to Make Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a loaf pan lightly with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper to ensure an easy release after baking. Preparing the pan beforehand sets you up perfectly for mixing and baking without any hassle.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and vegan eggnog. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. This wet base is packed with moisture, which will keep your banana bread soft and tender.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, coconut sugar, and ground nutmeg. Sifting is key here because it breaks up lumps and ensures that the spices distribute evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined for a tender crumb. The batter will be thick but slightly fluid, loaded with the heady aroma of spices and banana.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly with the back of a spoon. Place it in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The golden crust that forms will signal it’s ready!
Step 6: Optional Icing
While your bread cools, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of extra vegan eggnog to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the loaf to add a delightful creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced flavors inside.
How to Serve Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This banana bread shines with simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and a touch of extra spice. For festive flair, try chopped toasted pecans or a few dried cranberries scattered on the glaze.
Side Dishes
Enjoying your bread warm and fresh is heavenly, but pairing it with a mug of spicy chai tea, a frothy latte, or even some vegan vanilla ice cream can turn it into a luxurious treat. These sides enhance the spices and creamy notes within the bread, making each bite more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, slice the banana bread and arrange it on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for color contrast. You can also serve it as French toast for a weekend brunch twist by lightly frying slices in vegan butter and topping with maple syrup and fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the texture moist and prevents it from drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is fine but can slightly firm up the crumb—simply warm before serving.
Freezing
This Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the moist, tender texture and enhances the spiced aromas making each bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular eggnog instead of vegan eggnog?
Absolutely! If you are not vegan or don’t mind dairy, you can substitute regular eggnog to keep the flavor traditional. Just be aware it will no longer be vegan-friendly.
What if I don’t have coconut sugar? Can I use another sweetener?
Yes, you can swap coconut sugar with regular brown sugar or even maple syrup. Brown sugar keeps a similar taste and texture, but liquid sweeteners may require slight adjustments in flour or baking powder.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and softness, as they will be naturally sweeter and easier to mash, which adds to the moistness and flavor of your bread.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to replicate the structure gluten provides. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your loaf.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Of course! The glaze is optional but highly recommended for extra sweetness and that classic eggnog-inspired touch. Without it, the bread will still be delicious and perfectly spiced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking this Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe that fills your home with comfort and joy. It’s an easy, versatile, and indulgent treat that brings together the best moments of fall and winter in one scrumptious loaf. Whether you enjoy it yourself or share it with loved ones, this bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So why not grab those bananas and vegan eggnog and make a batch today? You deserve that little slice of happiness!
Print
Spiced Vegan Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spiced Vegan Eggnog Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day. Made without eggs or dairy, it uses ripe bananas and vegan eggnog to create a deliciously spiced loaf bursting with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors. It’s lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and topped with a smooth vegan eggnog glaze that elevates this festive treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
- 6 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 mashed bananas (ripe, about 3/4 cup)
- 1.33 cups vegan eggnog (such as So Delicious)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or regular brown sugar)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground for best flavor)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 2 tbsp vegan eggnog (optional but recommended for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, vegan eggnog, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, coconut sugar, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of vegan eggnog in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the bread: Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the vegan eggnog glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg and pure vanilla extract.
- Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture; overripe ones work great.
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or cane sugar if preferred.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
