If you’re looking for the best gluten free banana bread, you’ve come to the right place. This easy gluten free banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it dairy-free, vegan, add chopped walnuts for extra crunch, or fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. No matter which variation you choose, you’ll end up with a tender, flavorful loaf every time.
Recipe information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Breakfast / Dessert
- Calories: approximately 240 per slice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender texture
- Easy to make in one bowl
- Naturally customizable
- Can be made dairy-free and vegan
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- Works with almond flour blends and gluten-free flour mixes
If you’ve been wondering how to make gluten free banana bread, this recipe is a great place to start.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the best texture, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately if needed. You can compare the nutritional profiles of different gluten-free flours using the USDA FoodData Central database.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts for a gluten free banana nut bread recipe
- Chocolate chips for gluten free chocolate chip banana bread
- Oats for gluten free banana bread with oats
- Almond flour for gluten free banana bread with almond flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×5-inch loaf tin, or line it neatly with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep the loaf soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
For a banana nut bread gluten free version, fold in chopped walnuts. For a chocolate version, add chocolate chips.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Moist loaf
To make moist gluten free banana bread, follow these tips:
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots. Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. For official food storage and freezing recommendations, see the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Measure flour accurately.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
These simple steps help create a soft, tender loaf with the perfect texture every time.
Easy Variations
Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Bread
Replace the butter with coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter for a rich, moist loaf that’s completely dairy-free.
Vegan Gluten Free Banana Bread
Replace the eggs with flax eggs to make a delicious vegan version that’s just as soft and moist.
Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread
Fold in chopped walnuts if you’d like a nutty version.
Gluten Free Banana Bread Muffins
Divide the batter evenly into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins
Fold chopped walnuts into the batter, divide it into a lined muffin tin, and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Fold 3/4 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking. For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. The result is a rich, moist loaf with pockets of melted chocolate that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
For best results, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Let the bread cool fully before slicing. This helps the chocolate set a bit.
Healthy version
Reduce the sugar or use maple syrup for a healthy gluten free banana bread recipe.
Nutrition Tip: Bananas are naturally rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious ingredient for homemade baking. Learn more about their nutritional benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.
Sugar Free version
For a sugar-free version, replace the granulated sugar with a 1:1 sugar substitute such as monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or allulose. Ripe bananas naturally add plenty of sweetness, so you may even need less sweetener while still enjoying a moist, flavorful loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond flour?
Yes. You can make a gluten-free banana bread variation with almond flour. Replace part of the flour with almond flour.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely. Slice the bread before freezing and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For detailed food storage recommendations, see the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Why did my banana bread sink?
A loaf may sink if the batter is overmixed, underbaked, or contains too much moisture. Be sure to measure the ingredients accurately, avoid overmixing, and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter evenly into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This recipe makes delicious gluten free banana bread muffins.
Which gluten-free flour works best?
For the best texture, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. If your flour blend doesn’t include xanthan gum, add about 1 teaspoon to help improve the loaf’s structure and texture.
Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or another egg substitute. This creates a delicious vegan version.
How do I know when banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If wet batter remains, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
Final Thoughts
This homemade banana loaf is moist, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose the dairy-free, vegan, chocolate chip, or banana nut variation, you will bake it again.
Looking for more gluten-free baking inspiration? Try our Gluten–Free Pie Crust Recipe. It is easy, flaky, and perfect every time for homemade pies.
Or try our Easy Gluten–Free Donuts recipe. It is a delicious homemade treat with a bakery-style taste.
