Banana Bread Recipe No Eggs With Tropical Passion Fruit Ribbon

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started baking only to realize I’m out of eggs.

This banana bread recipe no eggs offers a simple solution, creating a moist, tender crumb without any eggs, thanks to the binding power of very ripe bananas. We’re taking a classic family favorite, this banana bread recipe no eggs, and adding a vibrant, tropical twist with a bright passion fruit ribbon swirl. The result is a simple, beautiful, and family-friendly loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. This banana bread recipe no eggs is proof that a simple pantry swap can make a big difference.

Ingredients

3 medium (about 360g / 12.7 oz) very ripe bananas, mashed
Look for bananas with many brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and binding. This replaces much of the egg’s moisture and binding function in this banana bread recipe no eggs.
180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
This forms the structure of the loaf. Sifting before measuring ensures accuracy. A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be substituted successfully.
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar & 50g (¼ cup) packed light brown sugar
The combination of sugars adds both sweetness and depth of flavor. The brown sugar contributes to a moist, chewy texture; adjust slightly, but avoid reducing too much as it affects texture.
80ml (⅓ cup) vegetable oil (or melted vegetable shortening)
Fat is essential for moisture in eggless baking. Choose a neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. Melted vegetable shortening will provide a slightly richer, denser texture.
60ml (¼ cup) unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., soy, almond)
This provides necessary liquid without dairy. Ensure it is unsweetened to control the overall sugar level.
5ml (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract
Enhances the other flavors in the loaf. Alcohol-free extract is preferred for a cleaner flavor in baked goods, especially when baking without eggs.
5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda & 2g (½ teaspoon) baking powder
The primary leavening agents in this recipe. Baking soda reacts with the acidic bananas to create lift. Baking powder provides additional rise for a lighter crumb.
3g (½ teaspoon) fine sea salt & 2g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Cinnamon complements the banana flavor, adding warmth.
120ml (½ cup) strained passion fruit pulp & 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (for ribbon)
The hero ingredient for the ribbon. Strained pulp ensures no large seeds interfere with the swirl texture. Frozen passion fruit concentrate can be used as a convenient alternative.
8g (1 tablespoon) cornstarch & 30ml (2 tablespoons) water (for ribbon)
The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the passion fruit ribbon. A cornstarch slurry prevents lumps. Ensure the mixture is fully dissolved before heating.
15ml (1 tablespoon) melted vegan butter (or additional vegetable oil) (for ribbon)
Adds richness and flavor to the ribbon. Vegan butter provides a more buttery taste than additional oil in this banana bread recipe no eggs.
Garnish (powdered sugar and fresh passion fruit seeds)
Optional, but adds a professional touch to the final presentation.

Instructions

Prep the pan and oven.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour a 23×13 cm (9×5 inch) loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. An overhang of parchment paper on the long sides works best for lifting the loaf out later.
Make the passion fruit ribbon.
In a small saucepan, combine the strained passion fruit pulp, 50g granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth mixture. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the ribbon mixture thickens to a glossy, pudding-like consistency (3-5 minutes), then remove from heat and stir in the melted vegan butter.
Combine wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, 100g granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is uniform.
Mix dry ingredients separately.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure all dry leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent rising.
Combine wet and dry batter.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine and contribute to a tender loaf. If you overmix the batter, the loaf will become tough and dense.
Layer and swirl the batter.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the passion fruit ribbon mixture over the batter. Use a skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the passion fruit mixture into the batter; avoid overmixing or letting the ribbon reach the very bottom.
Add final layers and bake.
Carefully spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the swirled layer. Dollop the remaining passion fruit ribbon mixture on top and repeat the swirling process. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked. This is a crucial step for perfecting a banana bread recipe no eggs.
Cool thoroughly before serving.
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack. Cooling thoroughly ensures clean slices and allows the ribbon to set properly.

The Role of Eggs in Baking and No-Egg Substitutions

Understanding the function of eggs in traditional baking is essential for successful no-egg substitutions. Eggs typically provide structure, act as a binder, contribute moisture, and help with leavening. In this specific banana bread recipe no eggs, we primarily rely on the natural binding power of very ripe bananas and a combination of baking soda and baking powder to achieve proper rise without eggs. The plant-based milk adds necessary moisture for a tender crumb, ensuring this family-friendly recipe is just as delicious as a traditional version.

Banana Bread FAQs

Can I make this with less sugar?

While it’s tempting to cut down on sugar, in baking, sugar isn’t just for sweetness. It plays a crucial role in moisture retention and contributing to the soft texture. We recommend sticking close to the listed amounts for the best results and ensuring your banana bread recipe no eggs stays moist for longer.

What can I use instead of passion fruit?

For a similar flavor profile, try replacing the passion fruit with mango or guava puree, or substitute with lemon curd for a tangy alternative. You can even create this simple banana bread recipe no eggs without any ribbon swirl at all, for a more traditional flavor profile.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, absolutely. You can fold about ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the batter during step 5. This versatile banana bread recipe no eggs allows for easy customization, making it perfect for a healthy eating snack or a quick meal prep solution. I like to toss my chocolate chips in a spoonful of flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This usually indicates underbaking or overmixing the batter. Ensure you bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overmix, as a heavy hand develops gluten and leads to a dense loaf. The combination of baking soda reacting with acidic banana in this banana bread recipe no eggs can sometimes lead to a fast initial rise, so accurate baking time is crucial.

How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This makes a great high-protein snack for busy weeks.

Can I make this recipe completely vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you ensure you use plant-based milk and vegan butter (or additional vegetable oil) for the ribbon. The high proportion of bananas replaces the eggs seamlessly, making it ideal for plant-based healthy eating.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Tropical Loaf

Patience is key for clean slices with this loaf. The passion fruit ribbon sets best when fully cooled, so allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. Store the finished loaf in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature for quick breakfast options or healthy snacks. For long-term storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for quick snacks later on.

Serve slices warm for breakfast or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist. To serve elegantly, dust with powdered sugar and add a drizzle of extra passion fruit puree. This simple banana bread recipe no eggs is perfect for healthy snacking.

Conclusion

This tropical banana bread recipe no eggs offers a tender crumb and vibrant flavor without requiring eggs, making it a perfect solution for a common pantry challenge. It’s a simple, family-friendly option that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. Try making this easy loaf this week, and don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board for later.