Delicious Vegan Banana Cupcakes for Any Occasion

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Author: Katrina Fears
Published:

Introduction

Vegan banana cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a fluffy texture, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These cupcakes are not only easy to make but also a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cupcakes are a breeze to whip up. The vegan frosting adds an extra layer of decadence, making these cupcakes suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 tbsp plant-based milk (for frosting)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions & Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, brown sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
  5. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the vegan butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the plant-based milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake.
Vegan Banana Cupcakes step photo

FAQs

What if my batter is too runny?

If your batter is too runny, try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use ripe bananas that are frozen?

Yes, frozen ripe bananas can be used; just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

What if my cupcakes sink in the middle?

Cupcakes may sink if they are underbaked or if there’s too much liquid in the batter. Ensure you bake them until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin; just bake for about 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness.

What can I do if my frosting is too sweet?

To balance the sweetness, you can add a pinch of salt or a bit of lemon juice to the frosting.

Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil in place of coconut oil.

Conclusion

These vegan banana cupcakes are not just a delicious treat; they also showcase the versatility of plant-based baking. With their moist texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings or mix-ins, and don’t hesitate to share these delightful cupcakes with friends and family. Happy baking!

Recipe Card

Delicious Vegan Banana Cupcakes for Any Occasion

Make Vegan Banana Cupcakes with clear steps, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 medium ripe bananas mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter for frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 1 tbsp plant-based milk for frosting
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, brown sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
  5. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the vegan butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the plant-based milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.

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Welcome! I’m Katrina Fears,

I’m a passionate home cook who believes that every great recipe tells a story. What started as a simple love for cooking in a tiny kitchen has grown into a journey of exploring flavors, nourishing loved ones, and turning everyday meals into memorable moments.

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Simple & Delicious Cooking

New here? Join our free email series designed to help you get started in the kitchen. You’ll pick up essential baking tips and kitchen tricks to quickly boost your cooking confidence and skills!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.