The Best Vegan Banana Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F/176°C. Arrange a rack in the middle the oven. Line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the long sides to form a sling.

In a glass, stir the lemon juice into the oat milk and set aside. This is the vegan "buttermilk."

Add the three bananas to a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth and no lumps remain (this should weigh around 300-315g, or ~ 1 ⅓ cups).

Pour the aquafaba into a small-medium bowl. Using a handheld electric mixer, whip the aquafaba on medium speed for about 45 seconds until uniformly foamy, including at the bottom (you will need to tilt the bowl).

Mix the liquid ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar and oil. Mix using the electric mixer until well combined. Add the whipped aquafaba and mix until well incorporated. Add in the vegan "buttermilk” and vanilla; mix again until incorporated. Now add the mashed bananas and mix once again until well combined.

Add the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) to the wet ingredients. Switch to using a silicone spatula (or wooden spoon) and gently fold the ingredients together until the batter is just barely combined (it’s okay if you can see light traces of flour). NOTE: If using chocolate chips or walnuts, gently fold them in now.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top of the batter using a spatula or spoon.NOTE: If using the decorative banana topping, keep the peel on and slice in half, lengthwise, then peel. Sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the cut sides, then gently arrange on top of the batter, sugared side up. If the batter domes up in the middle, use a spoon to move some of batter around the pan.NOTE: If using demerara sugar, sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, checking at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking. Do not open the oven door before 45 minutes, as it allows the heat to escape. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center at a slight angle comes out with a few moist crumbs (see Note 6); if there is runny batter, it needs more time. NOTE: If your banana bread is browning on the top but not done in the middle, loosely tent the bread with foil, then bake for 5 to 10 more minutes.

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Lift up the bread from the pan using the parchment paper handles, and transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing (the bread is still setting up, so don't slice too early).