Moist Cranberry Orange Banana Bread with Vegan Buttercream Frosting – A Healthy, Gluten-Free Delight

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with this Moist Cranberry Orange Banana Bread. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the zesty freshness of oranges, and the tartness of cranberries, all topped with a creamy vegan buttercream frosting. It’s a healthy, gluten-free treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (adds a nutty flavor and moisture)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces eggs for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon flax meal (mixed with 3 tablespoons water as a vegan egg substitute)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps with leavening)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• Juice and zest of 1 large orange (for a citrusy kick)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (plus extra for decoration)

For the Vegan Buttercream Frosting

• 1 stick vegan butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup vegan coconut condensed milk (or any plant-based milk)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In another large bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar until well combined. Add the applesauce, flax meal mixture, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Fold in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Gently fold in 1 cup of cranberries.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 1 hour before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the vegan buttercream frosting by whipping the softened vegan butter with powdered sugar and coconut condensed milk until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bread and decorate with additional cranberries.

Enjoy this moist, flavorful, and healthy Cranberry Orange Banana Bread with your loved ones!