Vegan Banana Bread with Blueberries and Cream Cheese Frosting
There is something about banana bread that feels like home. It’s the scent that fills the kitchen, the way it signals comfort before you even take a bite. For me, banana bread has always been that “in-between” recipe — the one I make when bananas are just past their prime, when the girls are home, when I want something cozy but still nourishing.
This version — Vegan Banana Bread with Blueberries and Cream Cheese Frosting — is my feel-good twist on a classic. It’s gluten-free, naturally moist thanks to applesauce, lightly sweet, and studded with juicy blueberries and crunchy walnuts. And then… we add a creamy, tangy frosting on top. Because balance, right?
It’s indulgent without being heavy. Sweet without being cloying. And it’s the kind of loaf you can slice for breakfast, serve at brunch, or enjoy with afternoon coffee without feeling like you just derailed your wellness goals.
Why This Banana Bread Works So Beautifully
Instead of relying solely on oil or butter, we use:
- Mashed ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture
- Unsweetened organic applesauce for tenderness
- Ground flaxseed meal for fiber and structure
- Coconut oil for richness without heaviness
And if you’d like it fully plant-based, the flax “egg” works beautifully here.
The blueberries add little bursts of antioxidants, and the walnuts give that subtle crunch that makes each bite more satisfying.
Vegan Banana Bread with Blueberries and Cream Cheese Frosting
Rate This Recipe:
Equipment
- 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment Paper
- Electric Mixer
- 2 mixing bowls
- cooling rack
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup unsweetened organic applesauce
- 2 large eggs (preferably cage free) or 1 tbsp flaxseed meal w/ 2 tbsp water
- ½ cup organic sugar
- ½ cup organic brown sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 cup gluten free flour I use Cup 4 Cup brand
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese, at room temperature (Miyokos brand works best)
- ¼ cup vegan butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Banana Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
- With an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the bananas, applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, organic sugar and coconut oil in a large bowl.2 ripe bananas, ½ cup unsweetened organic applesauce, 2 large eggs (preferably cage free), ½ cup organic sugar, ½ cup organic brown sugar, ¼ cup coconut oil
- Whisk together the flour, flax meal, salt, baking soda, nutmeg and cinnamon in a medium bowl.1 cup gluten free flour, ¼ cup flaxseed meal, 1 tsp fine sea salt, ¾ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and mix until blended.
- Fold in the blueberries and walnuts.½ cup blueberries, ¼ cup walnuts
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the bread cools, prepare the frosting.In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.¼ cup vegan butter, at room temperature, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¼ cup vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
- If making ahead, store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften.
Frost and Serve
- Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bread with a spatula
- Cut banana bread into ½-inch slices and serve.
More About This Recipe
Cooking Tips for Perfect Texture
- Use very ripe bananas — the darker, the better for sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix once you add the flour. Gluten-free batters can become dense if overworked.
- If using frozen blueberries, toss them lightly in flour first to prevent sinking.
- Let the bread cool fully before frosting — patience here makes all the difference.
- For a lighter option, skip frosting and simply dust with cinnamon.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 9 x 5-inch loaf pan – The perfect size for even baking and a beautiful rise.
- Parchment paper – Makes removal effortless and keeps edges clean.
- Electric mixer – Helps achieve a smooth, well-blended batter.
- Mixing bowls (2) – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
- Cooling rack – Prevents soggy bottoms and keeps texture perfect.
Nutrition
Health Benefits (Especially for Women Over 50)
I always love sharing why ingredients matter — especially as we move into seasons of life where nourishment becomes more intentional.
Bananas provide potassium, which supports heart health and healthy blood pressure levels.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have been studied for their role in supporting cognitive health and reducing oxidative stress.
Ground flaxseed delivers fiber and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that support digestion and heart wellness.
Walnuts offer healthy fats and may support brain health.
This is what I call “comfort food with purpose.”
Final Thoughts on my Vegan Banana Bread with Blueberries
There’s something quietly beautiful about slicing into a loaf like this. It feels thoughtful. Intentional. It says, “I care about what I’m feeding myself and the people I love.”
And that’s what I hope this recipe feels like in your kitchen — nourishing, comforting, and just indulgent enough to make life sweet.
If you make this Vegan Banana Bread with Blueberries and Cream Cheese Frosting, I’d love to know. These are the recipes that become traditions.