The aroma of bananas, cinnamon, and caramel baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Vegan Banana Monkey Bread brings together soft, pull-apart bites coated in sticky coconut caramel sauce for the ultimate comfort food treat—without any dairy, eggs, or gluten.
Perfect for weekend brunches, cozy evenings, or as a crowd-pleasing dessert, this dish feels indulgent but is made from wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened, allergy-friendly, and absolutely addictive. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering rich banana flavor and a caramelized finish you’ll keep coming back for.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 cups almond flour
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1/2 cup tapioca flour
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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1/4 cup melted coconut oil
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1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Sauce:
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1/4 cup coconut sugar
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1/4 cup coconut cream
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1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch bundt pan or loaf pan.
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Prepare the flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal with water in a small bowl and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and flax egg. Mix until smooth.
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Add almond flour, tapioca flour, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a thick batter forms.
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In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut sugar, coconut cream, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until a thick caramel sauce forms, about 5 minutes.
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Pour half of the caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Scoop tablespoons of the dough and gently roll or drop into the pan on top of the caramel. Repeat until all dough is used.
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Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the dough.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Allow to cool for 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
What is Vegan Banana Monkey Bread?
Vegan Banana Monkey Bread is a delicious twist on the classic monkey bread, combining the comforting pull-apart texture of the traditional version with the naturally sweet, rich flavor of ripe bananas. Unlike the typical monkey bread which relies on canned biscuit dough and heavy dairy ingredients, this plant-based variation is made with wholesome components like almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. It’s a sticky, gooey, caramel-coated delight that’s completely egg-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
The term “monkey bread” comes from the way this dish is eaten — pulling apart small balls of dough with your fingers, similar to how monkeys pick at their food. The vegan version adds a unique nutritional edge, using better-for-you ingredients without compromising on texture or taste. Combined with a luscious coconut caramel sauce, each bite is soft, indulgent, and infused with banana flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Monkey Bread
This recipe isn’t just another vegan dessert — it’s a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. One of the most enticing aspects is the gooey caramel sauce that envelops the dough, forming a sweet and slightly sticky crust as it bakes. The inside remains soft and fluffy, thanks to the moisture from ripe bananas and the combination of flours that mimic traditional bread-like textures.
It’s perfect for a variety of occasions — from lazy Sunday brunches and family gatherings to dessert nights and special celebrations. Even people who don’t follow a vegan or gluten-free diet will fall in love with its sweet flavor and comforting warmth. Plus, it’s made with ingredients that are generally considered healthier and more nourishing than traditional refined flour and sugar-based baked goods.
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
What sets this recipe apart nutritionally is its clean, whole-food ingredients. Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Almond flour adds a dose of healthy fats and protein, while tapioca flour contributes to a chewy texture without any gluten.
Coconut oil serves as a healthier fat alternative and supports heart health when used in moderation. Maple syrup and coconut sugar are natural sweeteners that have a lower glycemic index compared to refined white sugar, making this dessert a better choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
The flaxseed meal, used as an egg replacement, is another nutritional gem. Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber, supporting digestive and cardiovascular health. Altogether, this dessert offers more than just great taste—it delivers nutrients that align with a more conscious, plant-based lifestyle.
Perfect for Special Diets and Allergy-Friendly
One of the standout features of this Banana Monkey Bread is its ability to fit into many special dietary plans. It’s 100% plant-based, which makes it suitable for vegans. Since it’s also made without gluten, dairy, or eggs, it’s an ideal option for people with food allergies or intolerances.
The use of almond flour keeps it grain-free as well, which is beneficial for those following paleo or low-carb diets. While traditional monkey bread relies heavily on processed dough and refined sugar, this recipe avoids artificial ingredients, preservatives, and allergens that often cause concern for health-conscious eaters.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Monkey Bread
To get the best texture and flavor, make sure your bananas are very ripe—think deeply speckled or almost black. This maximizes the natural sweetness and moisture, which helps create the signature soft, rich texture of the bread.
When making the flax egg, allow it to sit for the full 5 minutes to ensure proper thickening, which will help bind the dough without eggs. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; gentle mixing helps keep the dough airy and tender.
If you want a more pronounced caramel layer, feel free to double the caramel sauce portion and drizzle generously between layers of dough. For a crunchy topping, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Banana Monkey Bread is best served warm when the caramel is still gooey and the pieces pull apart easily. You can serve it straight from the baking pan, inverted onto a serving plate, or sliced like a traditional loaf if you’ve made it in a loaf tin.
To elevate it further, serve it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. For a holiday touch, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice over the top just before baking adds seasonal flair.
Want to try variations? Add vegan chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-banana twist, or swirl in almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty richness. You can even add dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates to make it feel more festive.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well — wrap slices in parchment paper and place in a zip-lock bag, freezing for up to 1 month.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds until warm and soft, or place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the edges and melt the caramel again.
The Recipe’s Appeal Beyond Dessert
Though it’s technically a dessert, this vegan banana monkey bread doubles as a brunch or breakfast treat, especially on weekends or holidays. Because of its wholesome ingredients, it won’t leave you with a sugar crash, making it a great alternative to traditional pastries and cinnamon rolls.
It also makes for a beautiful centerpiece during gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, baby shower, or vegan potluck, this dish stands out for both presentation and taste. It’s an unexpected yet welcome twist on familiar comfort food.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
The main thing that makes this banana monkey bread unique is its combination of indulgent texture with nourishing ingredients. It’s rare to find a dessert that can satisfy a sweet craving while also aligning with clean-eating values.
It’s also completely homemade—no pre-packaged dough or artificial caramel required. Every step is designed to create maximum flavor and texture from simple, everyday ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Its flexibility in preparation (bundt pan or loaf pan, customizable mix-ins, etc.) adds to its accessibility for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Conclusion
Vegan Banana Monkey Bread is proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of nutrition or dietary limitations. With its gooey caramel topping, soft banana-rich center, and pull-apart presentation, this dessert delivers everything we love about comfort food — with a conscious twist.
It’s a recipe that can bridge the gap between traditional and modern baking, bringing people together regardless of dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive gathering, a weekend brunch, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your plant-based baking collection.
This recipe redefines what plant-based desserts can be: comforting, rich, satisfying, and still aligned with a healthy lifestyle. Once you try it, you’ll realize that going vegan doesn’t mean giving up your favorite treats—it just means making them better.