If you adore the comforting warmth of banana bread but want to elevate your taste buds to something truly extraordinary, the Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful loaf combines the sweet creaminess of ripe bananas with the tropical tang of guava, all spiced gently with fragrant cardamom. Perfectly moist and tender, it’s a perfect treat whether you’re craving a cozy snack or a unique dessert. Every slice is like a little celebration of vibrant flavors and aromas that will make you smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this vegan banana bread is wonderfully simple because every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the zingy guava pulp adding tropical freshness, each element adds something special.
- Ripe bananas (1 cup mashed): Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest, creamiest base.
- Guava pulp (3/4 cup): Fresh or canned, strained if seedy, to lend tangy juiciness.
- Lime zest (zest of 1 lime): Adds a bright citrusy note that awakens the flavors.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Provides subtle molasses depth and tenderness.
- Neutral oil (1/3 cup): Sunflower or canola oil keeps the bread moist without overpowering the flavors.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk (1/4 cup): Almond, oat, or soy milk helps bind ingredients smoothly while keeping it vegan.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the fruit flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of your bread and the canvas for all those beautiful flavors.
- Ground cardamom (1 1/2 teaspoons): This aromatic spice transforms the loaf into a fragrant masterpiece.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon) and baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Essential leavening agents for a light and airy crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances every flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/3 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
- Coarse sugar (2 tablespoons): For sprinkling on top to create a lovely textured crust.
How to Make Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, greasing it lightly. This ensures easy release and evenly baked bread with no sticking worries.
Step 2: Combine Fruit Base
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth and creamy. Stir in the guava pulp and freshly grated lime zest until fully incorporated. This fruit base sets the tropical, sweet, and tangy foundation of the bread.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Components
Add the light brown sugar, neutral oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the banana and guava mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth, creating a luscious wet batter that holds all the flavors.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Components
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and optimal rising.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet batter. Stir just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix to keep your bread tender and light.
Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you want a crunchy texture and a nutty twist that complements the cardamom and guava beautifully.
Step 7: Fill and Finish Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For a delightful little crunch and shimmer, sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over the surface before baking.
Step 8: Bake Bread
Bake the loaf for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cardamom and fruit will start to fill your kitchen, making your mouth water.
Step 9: Cool and Release
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then gently remove it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps keep slices intact and moist.
How to Serve Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of vegan butter or a drizzle of coconut cream elevates each slice with creamy richness that melts into the warm, spiced crumb. Sprinkling some extra ground cardamom or toasted coconut flakes on top can add beautiful aroma and texture.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed chai tea or coffee, whose spices will harmonize with the cardamom in the bread. For a refreshing contrast, try it alongside a bright fruit salad or a dollop of coconut yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this loaf thickly and serve it as a breakfast treat topped with your favorite nut butter and fresh fruit slices. You can also transform it into decadent vegan French toast by dipping the slices in a plant-based egg batter and pan-frying until golden crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, or longer if refrigerated, maintaining their moist texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze whole or sliced bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This ensures the bread remains fresh for up to 3 months — perfect for batch baking or future cravings.
Reheating
To bring out that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual slices in a toaster or oven at low heat until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long so the bread stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the guava pulp with another fruit?
Absolutely! While guava lends a unique tropical flavor, you can try mango or pineapple pulp for a similar fruity tang. Just keep the moisture content similar to maintain the batter’s consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts or pecans if you have nut allergies. The bread will still be delicious and moist thanks to the bananas and guava.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your bread is perfectly baked and ready.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the bread’s texture sturdy and moist.
Will using overripe bananas affect the bread?
Overripe bananas are actually ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to a moist and flavorful loaf.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread Recipe is a sure way to brighten up your baking repertoire with something wonderfully flavorful and inviting. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert, it’s a beautiful treat that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this tropical, spiced loaf with friends and family — trust me, they’ll thank you.
Print
Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, enriched with aromatic cardamom and sweet guava pulp. Perfectly moist and fragrant, it combines ripe bananas, fresh guava, and a hint of lime zest, making it an irresistible vegan treat ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 1 cup ripe banana, mashed (approximately 2 medium bananas)
- 3/4 cup guava pulp, fresh or canned, strained if seedy
- Zest of 1 lime
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup neutral oil such as sunflower or canola
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Combine Fruit Base: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth. Stir in the guava pulp and lime zest, mixing well to combine the fruity flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Wet Components: Add the light brown sugar, neutral oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the banana and guava mixture. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Whisk Dry Components: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, ensuring the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly through the batter if using for a pleasant crunch and added texture.
- Fill and Finish Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the surface with coarse sugar if you desire a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Release: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- If fresh guava isn’t available, canned guava pulp works well; strain to remove seeds.
- You can substitute nuts with seeds or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a different loaf pan size.
