Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread

Transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread. This fragrant, tropical quick bread features a base of ripe mashed bananas and luscious guava pulp, accented by the aromatic warmth of ground cardamom and a bright hint of lime zest. Perfectly moist and entirely dairy-free, it is an easy-to-make delight for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Save

This bread stands out for its incredible fragrance and tender crumb. The guava pulp provides a subtle tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy spice of cardamom. Whether you are a long-time vegan or simply looking for a new twist on classic banana bread, this recipe offers a refreshing change of pace.

Ingredients

Fruit

• 1 cup ripe banana, mashed (about 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 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional

• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the guava pulp and lime zest.

Step 3

Add the brown sugar, oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the fruit mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cardamom, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula until just combined; take care not to overmix.

Step 6

Fold in the chopped nuts if you are using them.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra-crunchy crust if desired.

Step 8

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 9

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a 9x5-inch loaf pan ensures the bread bakes evenly. To prevent sticking, lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended. Always allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you cannot find guava pulp, mango or pineapple puree are excellent tropical substitutes. For those who enjoy an even moister bread, try adding 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the wet ingredients. You can also swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Serviervorschläge

Serve slices warm with a dollop of vegan butter or a light drizzle of lime-flavored glaze. This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot chai or a refreshing tropical fruit tea for a complete snack experience.

Save

With its delightful fusion of tropical guava and warm cardamom spice, this Vegan Cardamom Guava Banana Bread is a versatile loaf that works just as well for a quick breakfast as it does for a decadent dessert. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the fragrant aroma of this easy vegan bake.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use frozen guava pulp?

Yes, frozen guava pulp works perfectly. Thaw it completely and strain if needed to remove any seeds before adding to the batter.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and firm to the touch.

→ Can I make this without cardamom?

You can substitute with cinnamon or a blend of cinnamon and ginger, though cardamom provides the signature aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with guava.

→ How should I store this bread?

Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze sliced for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, though the texture will be denser. Using 100% whole wheat may result in a heavier loaf.

→ What other fruits work well in this loaf?

Mango puree or crushed pineapple make excellent substitutes for guava. Both maintain the tropical profile while offering slightly different sweetness levels and flavors.