Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Perfect Every Time

Introduction

Warm, fragrant, and undeniably comforting, banana bread holds a special place in many kitchens. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast option, a mid-afternoon snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, its appeal spans generations. But for anyone avoiding gluten, finding a moist and flavorful banana bread can feel like a challenge. Too often, gluten free versions fall flat or turn out dry and crumbly.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. When made with the right blend of ingredients, gluten free banana bread can taste just as good—if not better—than the classic version. It’s all about using wholesome alternatives and understanding how to balance moisture, texture, and flavor.

This recipe delivers a rich banana flavor, a soft crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness. And the best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to make it work. Whether you’re gluten intolerant or just exploring healthier baking options, this banana bread will become a staple in your recipe book. Let’s dive in and discover how easy and satisfying gluten free baking can truly be.

Ingredients Needed

To create the perfect gluten free banana bread, start with ripe bananas and a few pantry staples. Below is a table of all the ingredients along with their approximate calorie content per serving size. This helps if you’re watching your intake or want a general idea of the nutritional profile.

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Ripe bananas (mashed)	3 medium	315
Gluten free flour blend	2 cups	440
Eggs	2 large	140
Coconut oil (melted)	1/3 cup	600
Brown sugar	1/2 cup	200
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	0
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	0
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	12
Ground cinnamon (optional)	1 teaspoon	6
Chopped walnuts (optional)	1/2 cup	200

Total approximate calories for the entire loaf: 1,913
Per slice (1 of 10): Around 190 calories

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Baking gluten free banana bread is simple when you follow the right steps. Here’s how to bring it all together with ease.

1. Preheat and prepare your pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Lumps are okay, but the smoother the better for even mixing.

3. Mix the wet ingredients
Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined and glossy.

4. Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.

5. Fold in extras (optional)
If you’re adding chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, fold them in at this stage. This adds texture and extra flavor to each bite.

6. Pour and smooth the batter
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.

7. Bake to perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.The wholesome Gluten Free Banana Bread offers a sweet balance that contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors of the Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe.

8. Cool before slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the structure set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Banana bread is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to make it your own by tweaking a few ingredients or adding extra flavors.

Make it dairy free
This recipe is already dairy free if you use coconut oil, but you can swap in olive oil or avocado oil for a different taste.

Reduce sugar
If you prefer a less sweet version, cut the brown sugar down to 1/3 cup. Bananas bring natural sweetness, so the result is still flavorful.

Try different flours
Use a store-bought gluten free blend or create your own with a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch. Just ensure your blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Add texture
Mix in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or gluten free oats for a rustic feel. Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries also work well.

Make it egg free
Use flax eggs or chia eggs if you’re avoiding eggs. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Nutritional Information

A single slice of this gluten free banana bread contains approximately:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg

These values can vary depending on the flour blend and add-ins you choose. Still, it’s a reasonably wholesome snack or breakfast item, especially compared to store-bought baked goods.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various toppings and drinks.

• Enjoy it warm with a smear of almond butter or a pat of dairy free butter.
• Toast slices for a crunchy outside and soft inside. Great with coffee.
• Top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a protein-rich breakfast.
• Serve with fresh fruit and tea for a light afternoon treat.
• Use as a dessert base with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze gluten free banana bread?
Yes. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 30 seconds.

What’s the best gluten free flour to use?
Look for a gluten free flour blend labeled as 1-to-1 or cup-for-cup, which mimics the properties of all-purpose flour. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur work well.

How do I keep the bread moist?
Use ripe bananas, avoid overbaking, and store the bread properly. Adding a bit of applesauce or Greek yogurt can also help retain moisture.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and make sure your sugar and flour are vegan-certified. Coconut oil or avocado oil both work well.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This could happen due to underbaking, overmixing the batter, or too much moisture. Make sure your bananas are not overly watery and test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Conclusion

Baking gluten free banana bread doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. With just a few tweaks to a classic recipe, you can enjoy a loaf that’s just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as any traditional version. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for anyone looking to avoid gluten without giving up their favorite treats.