Dessert dreams DO come true! These Dreamy Baked Bananas are dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and made without margarine or oils!
Many years ago I read The China Study. It was before social media, before the surge of blogging, before the “rise” of the plant-based world. Yes, we are still quite a minority as vegans, but things are drastically different than they were 10 or even 5 years ago. Vastly different than 20 years ago when I began this journey. There is more awareness, more products, more online support, and more acceptance.
I remember feeling quite ‘alone’ as a vegan and a plant-based mom at that time. There was indeed information to support a plant-based diet for health, but nothing like the information available today. I was blogging, and did have that built-in community. But, in my day to day life and beginning to raise vegan children, I felt quite isolated in my choices. Nevertheless, I felt it was the best dietary choice. Not just for me, but for our growing children.
Then, I picked up a copy of The China Study. I read it whenever I could. I remember watching our eldest swim, indulging in another few pages every lesson. It was the most powerful book on plant-based nutrition that I had read. It solidified all of my beliefs, and empowered me to continue with my work. I recommended it to countless people through personal conversations and emails and on my blog (and still do). I felt everyone needed to read this book (and still do).
To this day, The China Study is a meaningful book for me. I hope to meet Dr. Campbell one day, because his work has certainly inspired my recipes, and influenced my evolution as a cookbook author.
You can imagine my delight when I was asked to contribute recipes to the new China Study Cookbook: All-Star Collection… I was STOKED! I have contributed some brand new recipes in this collection, as well as a few “oldies but goodies”. It’s quite an honor and privilege to be included in this cookbook. (Confession: There’s also a little piece of me that believes Colin and I are now BFFs. Shhh, don’t tell him!) 🙂
This book is by Leanne Campbell, author of the original TCS cookbook. In this second book, Leanne invites a selection of “all-star” plant-based chefs to contribute recipes. Today I’m sharing one of my newbie recipes in TCS All-Star Collection. One that I think you’ll really enjoy – my testers sure did!
Dreamy Baked Bananas. Baked bananas have always been appealing to me, irresistible in fact. They are typically baked in wads of butter (or margarine), and with so much sugar they can be sickly. This is a much healthier version, and possibly (albeit oddly) more decadent than traditional recipes. Whenever I make these, our girls squeal, and they try to wriggle in the kitchen to lick out the dish. Of course, I won’t have any of that behaviour! That dish is MINE. 😉
And now, it’s yours…
Dreamy Baked Bananas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons macadamia nut butter or raw cashew or raw almond butter
- 1/4 cup nondairy milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg optional
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 ripe bananas but not overripe
- 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates optional, can substitute or add chopped nuts
- 1 –2 tablespoons coconut sugar for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the nut butter, milk, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. It will be thick but should be smooth.
- Transfer to a baking dish or glass pie plate.
- Peel the bananas and slice in half lengthwise.
- Place banana slices in the mixture, then gently flip so both sides are coated.
- Sprinkle on the raisins or chopped dates, followed by the coconut sugar, if using.
- Bake for 17–20 minutes. Serve hot or warm preferably. While still good cooled, this dessert is definitely best a little warm—ice cream prefers it that way!
Karen Cecil says
Well, Dreena, I’ve been seeing this recipe for a long time now. I finally made it tonight, and we are so so happy. It’s delicious. Peanut butter is the only nut butter I had, so I gave it a try. It worked out just fine. I topped it with pecans and coconut brown sugar. YUM! YUM! YUM! Absolutely decadent – thank you for the recipe! (We topped it with bananas foster cashew mylk ice cream)
Laura says
Cannot wait. In the oven to serve over my breakfast oats! For Easter
Kirsten Pontarelli says
I got the audio book and listened to The China Study. It was great to have it read to me while I was working. I can still hear key phrases and plan on listening again soon! I am all about those baked bananas! Can’t wait to try them!
Johanna says
I’ve been enjoying banana ice cream–can’t wait to try this banana recipe!
Janet Mertz says
I am always using up leftover bananas as I like to eat them when they are a bit green but need to cook with the rest-this looks marvelous!!
Nancy Ackley says
We licked the spoons. A new recipe family favorite. For anyone considering this recipe, it is dinner party quality! Everyone will rave.
Nancy Ackley says
Dreena: This just came out of the oven. It is to die for! I had no nut butters, so I googled and then made my own cashew nut butter. It was fun and easy. This whole recipe whipped up easily and the results are spectacular. We are delighted. Thank you so much! ~Nancy
Nancy Ackley says
Dreena: These are in my oven right now. I made my own cashew nut butter. It was so easy! Only 20 or so minutes…….
Dreena says
Wonderful, hope you love the final dish, TY Nancy.
Georgina says
Hi Dreena,
Reading about that sense of loneliness being vegan is familiar. However, I was much luckier having access to resources like the Plant Powered Kitchen and your cookbooks. In fact, you are part of the Canadian power trio of vegan bloggers on whom I check everyday: you, Angela Liddon and Ricki Heller.
The bananas sound delicious. Have you ever tried plantains? They are incredibly tasty, and they hold their firmness a little more than regular bananas. I will try your recipe with plantains this weekend, as my usual recipe is just to slice them and bake them on their own on a parchment lined baking sheet. I think your recipe is a winner. 🙂
Georgina
Dreena says
Thank you for these kind words, Georgina. And, yes, love plantains, though I don’t use them very often and tend to use them in savory recipes. Hope you enjoy them in this recipe!
Kim says
I want to try the bananas recipe. My grandson would love it!
Kim says
My mother gave me The China Study almost 4 years ago now for a Mother’s Day gift. We were sitting at Ruby Tuesdays & I had just ordered steak & lobster, what was then my favorite dish. I’ve been vegan ever since. I don’t have a vegan cookbook and haven’t tried any of the recipes so it would be very exciting for me to have this. I like that there are no oils used.
Linda Eliason says
I would love to try your alfredo recipe. It looks amazing and it would be wonderful to serve to my family without the guilt of all that fat!
Jo says
I just had to tell you how lovely the baked bananas recipe is. My teenage daughter loved this and wanted more! It didn’t take long at all to make too which is great and uses things I always have in the house. Thank you.
Molly says
I made the dreamy baked bananas for dessert tonight, adding dates & pecans to it, then topping it with some vanilla Rice Dream ice cream. We LOVED it! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Tricia Z says
I would like to try the Creamy Broccoli Soup recipe. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Alta says
I would like to try Either the Aloo Gobi, or the baked bananas first.
Melissa C. says
I want to try that pasta (looks like fettucine)! And the baked bananas.
Laura J says
I don’t know what that pasta picture is up there, but I want to try THAT!
Chris says
The apple-swirl loaf looks really good! I do not own the book, but I’m sure everything is spectacular.
Jackie says
I would like to make a vegan cake.
Christine Magiera says
The China Study changed my life too! I was happily eating milk and eggs and a vegan friend of mine loaned me the book. It’s all history from there, after I discovered you of course. 😉 thanks for all the great work you do! <3
Tania says
Looking forward to try some soups.
Carolsue says
I’d like to try the Sweet Potato Chili with Kale!
Jill Kovacs says
This cookbook looks very good! I also love reading The China Study book by Colin Campbell. I was introduced to the book because it was posted on your blog, Dreena! Thank you!
Deana says
Creamy Fettucine!!
Sharon says
Reading The China Study was a pivotal moment in my life. As soon as I finished it, I discussed it with my family & we made the decision to go 100% plant based. That was over 3 and a half years ago & we’ve never looked back! I’m so thankful to the Campbell family
Sharon says
Sorry second half of my comment got cut off! Would love to try all the recipes in the new book starting with your scrumptious looking baked bananas 🙂 x
Kate says
Looking forward to trying this – need to p/u the almond butter first!
Amanda says
This recipe looks delicious!
Heather says
I used the “look inside” feature on Amazon to check out the table of contents and the pineapple-cucumber gazpacho really jumped out at me. It sounds so summery!
Julie says
Wow that alfredo looking dish in the 3rd photo looks INCREDIBLE! Also these bakes bananas: WOW!
Sylvia says
Thank you for the delicious recipe. I made this for dessert last night and it was divine. We didn’t have any vegan ice cream, so I used some Rice Whip. It was good that way, but I will have to buy some vegan ice cream for the next time we make it . There will definitely be a next time.
Kelly G. says
The fettuccine! I am a sucker for anything pasta-y!
Sheila says
As a 38-year vegan myself, I totally understand where you are coming from! And I’m virtually oil-free too (and need to find new recipes to share in my cooking classes), so I really appreciate finding great oil-free recipes! Baked bananas sounds absolutely fantastic! Photos are lovely too! Thank you for all the good you do for the plant-based whole foods community, Dreena!
Tanya A says
My husband adores fried bananas so I can’t wait to make him these baked ones!
Sara F says
That soup looks delicious!! I’d love to try your recipes and others in the book!
Laura Costigan says
I will definitely try the baked bananas.
Valerie W says
I think my kids will definitely like those bananas! I’d love to try so many of the recipes – I saw one that was peppermint-chocolate ice cream. Would like to start experimenting with vegan ice cream in our new ice cream maker. Thanks for the chance!
Mikki says
I already have a copy of this wonderful cookbook! I was blessed in being able to do a review. It’s one of my very favorites!!! So many great recipes.
I haven’t had a chance to try out the baked bananas but, wow, they look amazing!!
katy s says
Awesome! I too loved reading the China Study..my good friend from college let me borrow her copy until I got my own. That friend’s father would give copies of the China Study to family and friends for Christmas! I can’t wait to try all of your recipes in the new TCS cookbook!
Grace says
Anything with noodles, I would love to try!
Christina says
Oh those baked bananas look–dare I say it?–dreamy! I am looking forward to making that dish next time I hear “what’s for dessert?” Thanks for the great recipe!
JoAnne Sabin says
I am eager to try the Dreamy Baked Bananas, but also the Lentil Sniffle Soup, and what looked like granola with blueberries. I am new to WFPB and am thrilled to discover a new cookbook! Like you, reading the China Study has made a profound impact on my life. I wish I had heard of it when it first came out. Thanks for all you do to help us newbies out!
kendra says
I am going to try the baked bananas!
Kendra says
These all look delicious!
Kate says
I want to try all the spicy recipes..not a big sweets fan, but spicy hot vegan rocks my world!
Mindy D says
I adore Let Them Eat Vegan, so any Dreena recipe would be first on my list. Thanks for the opportunity for a giveaway!
Elisabeth says
Cauliflower steaks with sweet pepper sauce
linda says
Love love love anything with Bananas!! Looks delicious
Katie says
Besides the bananas? That soup sounds delish!
Laurie C says
Would love to try the yummy-looking pasta!
Emma says
What a dessert! Looks so good, especially with a big scoop of non-dairy vanilla 🙂
The China Study was a real game-changer for me too so I’m thrilled there’s now a cookbook.
Purnima Barve says
I would love to try the fettuccine with “cream” sauce.
Stefanie says
I would love to try one of the kale salads!
Amber says
I cant wait to try those bananas! They look absolutely heavenly!
Laurie says
Dreena, You are such an inspiration!! To think that you were plant-based BEFORE all of the support we have today and before you even read the China Study! I have benefited to much from your incredibly delicious recipes for years now! I can’t WAIT to try these bananas (so I’m not going to wait!!) and I would love to try many of the recipes from the book! Right now, I’m in the mood for some Indian food so perhaps the Aloo Gobi or the Apple Lentil Dal would top my list. 🙂
Maria says
HI Dreena,
Loved reading about how The China Studay was such a pivotal book for you so many years ago. It has been one for me as well. I LOVE this banana recipe–congratulations on being included in this newest of China Study cookbook winners. 🙂
Jennie says
I would like to try the bananas & the lentil soup!!
jennie says
I can’t wait to try these bananas!!!!
Gaby says
I haven’t seen too many of the recipes, but those are def some all star chefs! These bananas look awesome…I might throw some rum on them too :X
Linda says
What an awesome giveaway! My kids love bananas, so I bet they’ll go nuts for your recipe; thanks for posting.
Kathy Berman says
I would love to try the dip with the sun dried tomatoes on top. The soup looks good also. I should start making soup. Smallish amounts of easy-to-make soup. I could control the sodium myself which would be great since I am super sensitive to it. And, I adore all the beautiful mis-matched silverware in the photos. Great pictures.
Kate says
Those baked bananas look delish!
Debbie says
Oh my!! I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Campbell! Such a humble great guy! I am so excited about this cookbook, that I think I will make all the recipes! kind of like cooking with all my favorite plant based whole food chefs! Think the movie, Julia, Julia! So fun!
Sheelagh says
Would love to find out what goes into that delicious looking fettuccine sauce!
janet @ the taste space says
I had my eye on this recipe. Thank you for sharing it!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
The China Study changed my life, too. I need to get my hands on this cookbook!
Jessica Eagle says
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway 🙂
I’m looking forward to trying this baked bananas. Yumm !!! Also, the picture of the soup looks great !!!
Amy says
I’d like to try the quinoa salad with currants and pistachios, but the baked banana recipe is a definite must.
Alex says
Love how they use healthy ingredients transferring my family to clean eating
Claudia says
Definitely have to get the book! The ginger granola will be a winner at our house and I will be making the bananas ASAP. That’ll be one dessert I’ll get to myself since hubby doesn’t like bananas.*smile* They look dreamy!
Susan says
I would like to make the baked bananas. They sound delicious!
Jess says
I want to try that soup!
Mina says
I would make those creamy fettuchini noodles and the the baked bananas for dessert 🙂
Kathie says
I can’t wait to try those bananas . . . maybe tonight!!
Christina m Oddy says
red lentil chili!
Charlotte says
The baked bananas sound awesome. I want to try that recipe for sure!
Maria says
The fettucine looks so delicious, would love to know how to make that!
Karen says
Blueberry dreamsicles for me!
maureen says
I love bananas so it will be your baked banana recipe for sure! I am going to give it a try! thanks so much!
Shelah says
The soup pictured here looks great! And I also want to try the Blue Corn Chickpea Tacos! Thanks for this opportunity 🙂
Debbie says
That creamy fettuccine looks awesome. I definitely want to try that one!
Becca F says
I want to try your banana recipe of course! I think it would be great with some coconut milk ice cream!
Lydia Claire says
The Creamy Fettuccine looks really good!
Corrine says
I can’t wait to make the dessert recipe above!
Nikki says
Looks delicious, will definitely be making it soon!
Brannan says
Read the China Study book and am excited to see a cookbook as a follow up. Would love to try ALL the recipes to add some new meal ideas to our family table.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I’m a big fan of The China Study, and would love a copy of the related cookbook. I’m not familiar with the recipes in it, but your baked bananas recipe sound delicious, and the soup in the first photo looks wonderful!
Nicole says
I would love to try ALL of the recipes from this amazing cookbook, but especially the Daikon Mushroom Fettuccine! Vegan cooking has really been intriguing me, and I’d like to jump right in and start off with the best. Thank you!
Sferd says
I would love to win TCS cookbook–not only to try more recipes of yours, but also from some of the other ‘all star’ chefs who contribute.
Nadine says
Yum! Gotta make this.
Tiffany says
the dreamy baked bananas sound delicious!
Christie says
I really want to try those baked bananas!
Mary P says
The baked banana recipe for sure!
Sharanya Ram says
Would love to try the Dreamy baked bananas and darkchocloate sweetpotato black bean brownies..Oh my !!
Mandy says
I’m always looking for a good vegan breakfast recipe, so I would like to try those out the most. Your Dreamy Baked Bananas recipe definitely applies 😉
Simona says
I can’t wait to try the baked bananas!!!
Deborah says
Can’t wait to see the book! I am sure there will be loads of recipes to try! Especially looking forward to Dreena’s!
Amy McKee says
I don’t know what recipes are in it but would love to try them!
Veganopoulous says
Those baked bananas are definitely what I’m going to be making first!
Melissa says
Whatever that granola-looking concoction is in your photo, I’d love to get that recipe!
Stephanie says
I looking forward to trying the fettuccine! ! Looks yummy!!
Linda Hardesty says
The Baked Bananas will be on the menu this weekend. I love every recipe we have made of Dreena’s and have 4 of her cookbooks.
Jan d says
Love The China Study – met Dr Campbell @Kripalu – so great – I read your blog and have printed several of your recipes – I don’t know which one I’d make first if I won the cookbook. Cookbooks are my bedtime reading – and I love the pictures. Many thanks for your inspiration.
Linda Hardesty says
I will be trying the Baked Bananas over the weekend, the look so yummy! I love every recipe of Dreena’s that I have made and have 4 of her cookbooks.
Sheila Shealey says
I’m intrigued by the applesauce vinaigrette.
Lakshmi says
Really want to try the baked bananas, the pasta dish looks like my son would eat it. Basically anything you come up I want to try.
Deena says
I love desserts that do not involve adding oil. This Baked Bananas recipe sounds like a dream! I cannot wait to try it.
Marianne says
The photos look amazing! I’d like to try the Spicy Almonds but it’s so hard to choose!
Renee says
I haven’t had a Chance to leaf through it but that recipe you just shared sounds stylish. I can’t wait to see what what else is in there!
Vegyogini says
Thanks for the giveaway, Dreena! I’m most interested in the other new recipes you’ve contributed and in the book overall. I read The China Study several years ago and found it very valuable.
Miet says
I’d love to try the peanut butter fudge truffles!
Kathy G says
What kind of ice cream is that? It looks so good!
christina says
i can’t wait to try the baked bananas. Simple enough for a weeknight and looks yummy.
Laura @ TheGreenForks.com! says
Dessert recipes!
brig says
I’ve seen this book and it has many great and yummy looking. Recipes
David N says
I love me some Rawnch Dressing!
https://dreenaburton.com/recipe-page/?recipe_id=6048953
Allison K says
Creamy fettuccine
Allison K says
Creamy fettuccine.
Ashley says
Oh my, I can’t wait to try THIS recipe and I would love, love, love this cookbook!!
Allison K says
everything looks so good. But I would like to try Chef AJ ‘s disappearing lasagna .
Becky says
Looks soooo good! I can’t wait to try it!
Melissa says
I would love to just be able to sit and read through the cookbook! It would be so hard to pick which one to make first. But I know I’m making your baked banana dessert tomorrow!
Camielle Swenson says
Bananas are loved in my house and I am always looking for new and fun ways of cooking them. This would go great as an alternative to my baked apples recipe for dessert or a sweet breakfast dish.
Tracy says
I just need some healthy dinner recipes my kids will eat! Would love to try all the recipes in this book.
Michelle Keown says
Cannot wait to try
Amy says
I will try any fettucini alfredo recipe, so if that’s what that pasta dish is (can’t find it in the book’s index on amazon), I want that one! Looks great. 🙂
Laloofah says
These do look and sound dreamy!
I hope you get to meet Dr. Campbell too. I had that privilege at a VegSource weekend in Sept 2001 in LA, and he is just the kindest man you could ever hope to meet. And he needs to meet you, too! 🙂 Congratulations on being asked to contribute to the cookbook, it looks wonderful!
christy says
I’m looking forward to the dessert recipes. I always look at that section first when I buy a new cookbook.
Tara says
These baked bananas look AMAZING!! 🙂 I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for all that you do to help spread positivity about the plant-based life (and making it more delicious!!) You rock, Dreena!
Anna says
They all look delish, would love to win the book, thanks for the chance!
Anna says
All of those dishes look delish! Would love to have the book, thanks for the chance!
Kris says
This recipe looks amazing. What a great start or end to my day.
Lori says
I love Dreena Burton’s posts on Facebook and can’t wait to try some of her recipes. The bananas look tasty.
Kirsten Henrickson says
I’d like to try your apple swirl loaf and you applesauce vinaigrette.
Diane Fahrner says
Always have bananas in the house so this looks like a super use for some tomorrow!
Hannah G says
Might have to make the baked bananas this weekend to help me get through studying for my Finite final this coming week.. Could only imagine all the other goodies in the book!
Sonia says
I would love to try the Thai pineapple curry or the coconut curried vegetables, I love Asian style dishes!!! I would love to win this giveaway since I follow a plant-based lifestyle and I always love to try new recipes and find new favorite dishes 🙂
Laura says
Well of course now I want to try this recipe immediately but sadly have no bananas 🙁
Stephanie C. says
Will definitely have to try this banana recipe, am just dipping my toe into a more veggie lifestyle!
Cheryl Gillean says
The baked bananas sound divine. I have just recently embarked on the mostly plant based diet plan and discovered how awesome bananas are for all sorts of things. Banana ice cream is so delicious and doesn’t make me sick. I am loving all the wonderful plant based recipes out there in the internet.
Ellery says
I want to try that fettuccine!!
Michelle micci says
These look amazing.. I want to try Christy Morgan’s recipes in the book
Jan K says
I have been so excited about this cookbook since I learned it was going to published. Oh my goodness your recipes look mouth watering. Thanks for chance to win.
karen cecil says
I’m looking forward to trying the baked bananas.