BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Imagine the sweet, smoky aroma of banana bread wafting through the air as your BBQ evolves from a grill to a magical outdoor oven. I’ve always loved traditional banana bread, but there’s something special about this vegan, fat-free version that gains an extra dimension of flavour from barbecue baking. It’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends while keeping things healthy. Trust me, once you try cooking bread on your BBQ, you’ll wonder why you ever limited yourself to indoor baking.

Why You’ll Love this BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread

If you’ve never tried baking banana bread on a BBQ before, you’re in for a real treat with this vegan recipe. The gentle, indirect heat from your BBQ creates the most incredible texture while infusing a subtle smoky note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas.

I’m thrilled to share this healthy dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Made without any added fats, it’s a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

The wholemeal flour adds fibre, while the natural sweetness from five ripe bananas means we use less sugar than traditional recipes.

Best of all? Your garden will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll have neighbours wondering what you’re cooking!

What Ingredients are in BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread?

This BBQ-baked banana bread is brilliantly simple, relying on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a handful of pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into something truly spectacular when baked on the barbecue. The indirect heat creates a lovely crust while keeping the inside moist and tender, without needing any added oils or fats.

• 5 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
• 1 cup vegan sugar (Florida Crystals recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water

When shopping for this recipe, do pay special attention to the bananas. You want them properly ripe, those with brown spots are perfect as they contain more natural sugar and will make your bread wonderfully sweet.

The wholemeal flour provides a lovely nutty flavour and additional fibre, but if you’re in a pinch, you could substitute plain flour, though you might lose some of that wholesome texture.

And while the recipe calls for vegan sugar, any granulated sugar will work if that’s what you’ve got in your cupboard. The most important thing is keeping this fat-free, which makes it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread without sacrificing flavour.

How to Make this BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread

Converting your barbecue into a bread-baking wonder machine is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. To make this vegan fat-free banana bread on your BBQ, you’ll want to set up for indirect cooking, essentially turning your barbecue into an outdoor oven that adds a subtle smoky dimension you simply can’t achieve in a conventional kitchen.

Start by preparing your BBQ for indirect cooking at 180°C (that’s the equivalent of 350°F from the original recipe). For a Kamado-style BBQ, this means arranging your coals to one side; for a Pit Barrel Cooker, you’ll want your coals evenly distributed but not directly under where you’ll place your bread tin.

While your barbecue preheats, mash 5 ripe bananas with 1 cup of vegan sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until creamy and well combined. A quick blitz in a blender makes this dead easy if you have one handy. Stir in 1/4 cup of water, then in a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of wholemeal flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your banana mixture until just combined, overmixing is the enemy of tender banana bread, so resist the urge to keep stirring!

Pour your batter into a well-greased loaf tin and place it on the indirect heat side of your barbecue. Close the lid and let it bake for about an hour, maintaining that 180°C temperature. The bread is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

One might be tempted to lift the lid and peek frequently (the aroma is utterly delicious and properly torturous when you’re hungry), but try to resist, every time you open the barbecue, you lose heat and extend the cooking time.

Once done, allow the bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. The result? A beautifully moist banana bread with a subtly smoky crust that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread Substitutions and Variations

Monolith Kamado BBQ

– Indirect Baking: Set up for indirect heat at 350°F (approximately 175°C) with a heat deflector.

Place the bread pan on the cooking grate for 60-70 minutes.

• Smoking Variation: Add fruit wood chips (apple or cherry) for a subtle smoky flavour.
• Roasting Method: Use the top rack position with a stone beneath for even heat distribution.

The Monolith Avantgarde Le Chef Black Kamado BBQ Grill’s Smart Grid System allows for adjustable cooking heights, enhancing your baking experience.

Ozpig & Big Pig Stoves

• Oven Attachment Method: Preheat the oven attachment to 350°F (approximately 175°C), place the bread on the middle rack for 60 minutes.
• Dutch Oven Option: Line a cast iron Dutch oven with parchment, place on the stove with coals on the lid for even heat.
• Indirect Setup: Create a two-zone cooking area, placing the bread away from direct heat.

Pit Barrel Cooker

• Hanging Method: Not recommended for this recipe.
• Indirect Heat: Place the loaf pan on the grate with charcoal pushed to the sides for 60-75 minutes.
• Hot and Fast: Requires reducing cooking time to 45 minutes with careful temperature monitoring.

Recipe Variations for BBQ

• Nutty Option: Add 1/2 cup (about 60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (no longer fat-free).
• Spiced Version: Increase cinnamon to 2 tsp and add 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a smoky complement.
• Maple-Flavoured: Replace sugar with 3/4 cup (about 180ml) maple syrup (reduce water to compensate).
• Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup (about 90g) vegan dark chocolate chips (not fat-free).
• Grilled Banana Topping: Grill banana slices separately, top the bread before serving

What to Serve with BBQ-Baked Vegan Fat-Free Banana Bread

When you’ve pulled your perfectly baked vegan banana bread from the BBQ, you’ll want some complementary items to convert it from a simple treat to a complete experience.

I’ve found that serving suggestions that highlight the bread’s natural sweetness work wonderfully. My favourite flavour pairings include a dollop of coconut yoghurt or a spread of almond butter on top of a warm slice.

For a more substantial offering, I serve it alongside a fruit salad with berries and citrus that cut through the richness.

Don’t forget beverages! A cup of cinnamon tea or chilled oat milk complements the bread’s spices beautifully.

For brunch gatherings, I’ve even created a banana bread “bar” where guests can customise their slice with different toppings like maple syrup or crushed walnuts.

Final Thoughts

Although it seems unconventional, BBQ-baked vegan banana bread has become one of my favourite weekend baking projects.

There’s something magical about the subtle smokiness that complements the sweetness of those ripe bananas. It’s not just delicious, it’s also aligned with my sustainability practices since it uses overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

I love having slices ready for healthy snacking throughout the week. The fact that it’s fat-free and vegan makes it even better for guilt-free enjoyment!

If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic recipe, I really encourage you to fire up that BBQ and give this method a try. You’ll never look at banana bread the same way again, and your friends will be begging for your secret!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does BBQ-Baked Banana Bread Stay Fresh?

I wonder if moisture content affects longevity. I’d say your banana bread stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature. For extended freshness tips, try refrigeration or freezing as ideal storage methods.

Can I bake this in a conventional oven instead?

I recommend using a conventional oven at 180°C for this recipe. Different baking techniques yield similar results, just follow the original instructions and bake for one hour until perfectly done.

What Temperature Should My BBQ Grill Be Set To?

Like walking a tightrope, grill temperature for this recipe requires precision. I’d set your grill to 180°C, just as the recipe indicates, with careful heat management to maintain a consistent temperature throughout baking.

Does Using a Charcoal BBQ Affect the Flavour?

I wouldn’t recommend using a charcoal BBQ as it will impart a charcoal flavour and smoke infusion that would overpower the delicate sweetness of this banana bread recipe.

Is It Safe to Transport After BBQ Baking?

I’d recommend letting it cool completely before transporting it. I use a cooling rack for 30 minutes, then wrap it in parchment. Secure it in a container to prevent shifting during transport.