Gluten free banana bread has always held a special place in my heart, ever since my mom first made it for me when I had to cut out gluten. I remember the smell filling our kitchen – that sweet, warm aroma of ripe bananas and cinnamon that just screams comfort. Even though it’s made without traditional flour, this recipe turns out wonderfully moist, and I’ve discovered that it’s actually an incredibly easy gluten-free banana bread to whip up. If you’ve ever wondered how to make gluten-free banana bread that tastes just as good, if not better, than the original, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Banana Bread
This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a taste of pure comfort without the gluten. Here’s why it’s destined to become your go-to:
- Incredible Taste: You get that classic, comforting banana flavor with a hint of cinnamon that’s utterly delicious.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delightful treat in the oven, making it perfect for busy days.
- Healthier Option: Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and almond flour, it’s a treat you can feel good about.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an economical choice for a delicious homemade snack.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this bread, making it a hit at breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Perfect Texture: It achieves a wonderfully moist gluten-free banana bread texture that’s hard to find.
- Simply the Best: Honestly, this might just be the best gluten-free banana bread you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients for Gluten Free Banana Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor in your almond flour banana bread gluten-free creation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 medium Very Ripe Bananas, mashed – the riper, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be!
- 1 cup Coconut Sugar or Regular Sugar – for sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or melted coconut oil – adds richness and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk or any plant milk – helps create a smooth batter.
- 2 large Eggs – bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour – the base for our gluten-free structure.
- 1 cup Almond Flour – contributes to a wonderfully moist texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder – helps the bread rise.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda – works with the acidic ingredients to give lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon or according to preference – for that classic warm spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg or according to preference – adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (optional; can replace with chocolate chips) – for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- 1/4 cup Rolled Oats (optional, for topping) – adds a nice texture to the top.
How to Make Gluten Free Banana Bread
- Step 1: Let’s get this baking party started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the moment the batter hits the pan.
- Step 2: Prepare your loaf pan. Line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to grease the sides too. This little trick guarantees your beautiful loaf won’t stick.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mash those very ripe bananas until they’re smooth and creamy. Then, add the sugar, olive oil (or coconut oil), almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully combined and smooth – you’ll start to smell that sweet banana aroma!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking them separately helps ensure everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a perfect gluten-free banana bread recipe.
- Step 5: Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want that light, tender crumb. Just mix until you don’t see any dry streaks of flour.
- Step 6: If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in. Gently stir them into the batter until they’re just distributed.
- Step 7: Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts and a few rolled oats on top for a lovely texture contrast. This is where your banana bread without gluten really starts to look amazing.
- Step 8: Bake for 42 to 48 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick are perfectly fine!
Pro Tips for the Best Gluten Free Banana Bread
Want to elevate your gluten-free baking game? These tips will ensure your loaf is a showstopper every single time:
- Use Extra Ripe Bananas: The spottier and browner, the better! They provide natural sweetness and essential moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Let it Cool: Resist the urge to slice immediately. Letting the bread cool slightly in the pan and then on a wire rack helps it set and prevents crumbling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation.
What’s the secret to perfect gluten free banana bread?
The key is the combination of very ripe bananas and the right flour blend. Using both a gluten-free all-purpose mix and almond flour creates that incredibly tender and moist gluten-free banana bread texture that’s often missing. For more baking inspiration, check out these delicious recipes.
Can I make gluten free banana bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before pouring into the pan. The baked bread also stores well. For more baking tips, you might find this article on ingredient substitutions helpful.
How do I avoid common mistakes with gluten free banana bread?
The biggest pitfall is overmixing, which makes it dry. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks, leading to why is my gluten-free banana bread dry. Understanding oven temperatures can be key, and resources like NIST provide detailed information.
Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Banana Bread
This delicious loaf is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways I love to serve it:
- Warm with Butter: Slice it thick, toast it lightly, and add a generous pat of good quality butter. It melts into the warm bread beautifully.
- With a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of extra sweetness, a light drizzle works wonders, especially if your bananas weren’t super ripe.
- As a Dairy-Free Delight: If you’re making this dairy-free gluten-free banana bread, it pairs perfectly with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a smear of dairy-free cream cheese.
- Alongside Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The comforting flavors complement any warm beverage.
Nutrition Facts for Gluten Free Banana Bread
When you’re enjoying a slice of this delightful bread, it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling up with. This gluten-free banana bread is a satisfying treat.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Banana Bread
Knowing how to properly store your delicious loaf is one of the most important gluten-free banana bread baking tips. Once your bread has cooled completely on a wire rack (this is crucial to prevent sogginess!), you can store it for later enjoyment. For short-term storage, keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For more delicious baking ideas, explore our recipe collection.
If you want to keep this amazing gluten free banana bread for longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and warm it in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through. You can also thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re interested in other gluten-free options, consider trying our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Banana Bread
What makes this gluten-free banana bread so good?
This recipe focuses on using very ripe bananas and a blend of gluten-free flours, including almond flour, which creates a tender crumb. It truly is the best gluten-free banana bread because it avoids the dryness often associated with gluten-free baking, delivering fantastic flavor and moisture. For more about the author’s journey, visit the About Me page.
Can I substitute the flours in this easy gluten-free banana bread?
While this specific blend is designed for optimal texture, you can experiment. For instance, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the Bob’s Red Mill, but be mindful that texture and moisture may vary. Using only almond flour might make it too dense. If you’re looking for other gluten-free meals, our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a great option.
Why is my gluten-free banana bread dry?
Common reasons include overbaking, not using ripe enough bananas, or overmixing the batter. Ensuring your oven temperature is accurate and following the baking time closely are crucial. This recipe is designed to be an easy gluten-free banana bread, so sticking to the instructions generally prevents dryness. For other family-friendly meals, check out our Hamburger Mushroom Bake.
Can I add other ingredients to this gluten-free banana bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a swirl of nut butter. This recipe is quite forgiving and a great base for adding your favorite mix-ins to create your own unique version of this delicious bread. For more creative recipes, explore our recipe collection.
Variations of Gluten Free Banana Bread You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s fun to play around with variations! Here are a few ideas to customize your gluten free banana bread:
- Vegan Delight: To make a vegan gluten-free banana bread, simply swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and ensure you use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
- Oat Flour Boost: For a slightly different texture and heartier flavor, try substituting half of the Bob’s Red Mill flour with gluten-free banana bread with oat flour. Make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed) along with the walnuts, or replace the nuts entirely. The warm banana and chocolate combination is irresistible.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: This batter is also perfect for baking in mini loaf pans or as muffins! Adjust the baking time down to about 20-25 minutes for muffins, or 30-35 minutes for mini loaves.
Gluten Free Banana Bread: Amazing Moist Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a slice of moist and flavorful gluten-free banana bread, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Very Ripe Bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Coconut Sugar or Regular Sugar
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk or any plant milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
- 1 cup Almond Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon or according to preference
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg or according to preference
- 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (optional; can replace with chocolate chips)
- 1/4 cup Rolled Oats (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a large bowl, mash very ripe bananas, then add sugar, oil, almond milk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra walnuts and oats on top if desired.
- Bake for 42 to 48 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Notes
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat.
- This gluten-free banana bread recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.
- Store leftover gluten-free banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg


