Gluten Free Banana Bread is one of those comfort foods that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone ask for seconds. I remember the first time I tried making banana bread without gluten. I was nervous it would turn out dense and crumbly, but I was wrong. This recipe creates the most super moist banana bread you’ve ever tasted.
Whether you’re avoiding gluten by choice or necessity, this healthy banana bread baking guide will show you exactly how to make gluten free banana bread that tastes better than the traditional version. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, just simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
This best gluten free banana bread recipe works for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or whenever those overripe bananas start calling your name from the counter. The texture is tender, the flavor is naturally sweet, and nobody will guess it’s gluten free.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend (or almond flour for paleo)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Note: This gf banana bread recipe is naturally dairy free if you use coconut oil instead of butter. For a completely vegan gluten free sugar free banana bread, swap eggs for flax eggs and use maple syrup.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well. This basic banana bread starts with proper preparation.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are fine and actually add nice texture to your banana bread gf.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk to your mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined. The mixture should look creamy and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which is crucial for gluten free baking ideas.
Step 5: Fold Wet and Dry Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your gluten free quick bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour.
Step 6: Add Your Mix-ins
If you’re using nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, fold them in now. Save a few to sprinkle on top for a beautiful presentation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool Properly
Let the freshly baked banana bread in oven cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents a soggy bottom and helps maintain that perfect texture.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Use Very Ripe Bananas: The darker and spottier your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in their peels at 300°F for 15 minutes.
Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for healthy banana bread recipe steps. Mix until ingredients are just combined. Gluten free flours are delicate and respond differently than wheat flour.
Check Early: Start checking your bread at 45 minutes. Every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake this healthy baked good.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and milk sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This helps everything blend smoothly.
Invest in Good Flour: Not all gluten free flour blends are equal. Look for one that contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon yourself.
Delicious Variations
Gluten Free Banana Bread Coconut Flour Version: Replace the all-purpose gluten free flour with 3/4 cup coconut flour and add two extra eggs. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so this adjustment is necessary.
Easy Paleo Banana Bread: Use almond flour instead of gluten free flour blend, and replace maple syrup with mashed dates or extra banana.
Sugar Free Banana Bread: Skip the maple syrup entirely. The ripe bananas provide plenty of sweetness on their own. You can also add a few drops of stevia if needed.
Gf Df Banana Bread: This recipe is already dairy free when you use coconut oil. Just double-check your chocolate chips are dairy free too.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips. Reduce flour by 1/4 cup to compensate.
Gluten Free Refined Sugar Free Banana Bread: Use only mashed bananas for sweetness or add a few pitted dates blended into the wet ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This gluten free banana bread recipe shines in so many ways. Here’s how to enjoy every slice:
For Breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with almond butter or cashew butter. Add fresh berries on the side for a complete meal.
As a Snack: Serve plain or with a thin layer of grass-fed butter. It’s perfect as an after school banana bread recipe that kids actually love.
Dressed Up: Warm a slice and top with Greek yogurt, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey. This turns your gluten free banana recipes into a fancy brunch dish.
With Coffee: This bread pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The subtle sweetness complements any hot beverage.
Meal Prep: Slice the entire loaf and freeze individual pieces. Grab one in the morning for a quick breakfast on busy days.
Party Platter: Cut into small squares and arrange on a platter with other healthy baked goods for a gluten free dessert table.
Storage Tips
Store your the best healthy banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It actually gets more moist as it sits.
For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.
Conclusion
Making how to make gluten free banana bread doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe proves that gluten free baking can be simple, delicious, and satisfying. The key is using ripe bananas, not overmixing, and trusting the process.
You now have a reliable recipe that works every time. Whether you’re new to gluten free baking ideas or a seasoned pro, this banana bread will become your go-to recipe. It’s naturally sweetened, packed with banana flavor, and has that perfect tender crumb everyone loves.
The best part? You can customize it endlessly. Make it dairy free, sugar free, or loaded with your favorite add-ins. This versatile recipe adapts to your needs without sacrificing taste or texture.
So grab those overripe bananas from your counter and get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and you’re about to enjoy the best gluten free banana bread of your life.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy free?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy free banana bread when you use coconut oil instead of butter. Make sure any chocolate chips or add-ins are also dairy free.
What’s the best gluten free flour for this recipe?
A good quality all-purpose gluten free flour blend works best. Look for brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur that contain xanthan gum. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour with adjustments.
Why is my gluten free banana bread dense?
Dense bread usually means overmixing or using too much flour. Mix until just combined, and make sure you’re measuring flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. You can reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons or eliminate it completely for a truly sugar free banana bread.
Can I add protein powder?
You can add 1/4 cup of protein powder, but reduce the flour by the same amount. This changes the texture slightly but adds nutritional value.
Is this recipe safe for celiacs?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten free ingredients. Check that your flour blend, baking powder, and any add-ins are certified gluten free to avoid cross-contamination.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even completely brown peels. These have the most flavor and natural sweetness for your gluten free banana bread.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 0.2mcg
