Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gluten-free banana bread is incredibly easy to make and requires only basic ingredients. The overripe bananas provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar. The bread is light, yet moist, and the gluten-free flour creates the perfect crumb texture. It’s the ideal choice for a cozy breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s versatile—you can enjoy it plain or add in extras like chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed (1 1/2 cups)

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan generously with cooking spray or butter.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir until fully combined—note that it will be slightly lumpy due to the mashed bananas.

4. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure to scrape the bowl clean. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool: Let the banana bread cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 55 minutes

• Total Time: 65 minutes

• Servings: 8 slices

• Yield: 1 loaf

Variations

1. Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans into the batter before baking.

2. Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

3. Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced banana bread.

4. Sweetener Swap: You can substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week for extended freshness.

• Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or heat slices in the microwave.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm slices, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast individual slices for a crisp outer edge.

FAQs

1. Can I make this banana bread with frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and mash them before using.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

This recipe specifically uses gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can experiment with other gluten-free flours, but results may vary.

3. Is this banana bread vegan?

This recipe contains an egg and butter, but you can make it vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg and using a dairy-free butter alternative.

4. What should I do if my banana bread is too moist?

If your banana bread turns out too moist, try reducing the amount of mashed bananas slightly or adding a bit more gluten-free flour to balance it out.

5. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can divide the batter between mini loaf pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.

6. How ripe should my bananas be?

Use bananas that are overripe, with spots or a brownish color. The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.

7. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans is a great way to add texture and flavor to your banana bread.

8. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar. It will give your banana bread a slightly richer flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute such as Stevia. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly.

10. Why is my banana bread dense?

If your banana bread is dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour correctly and mix just until combined.

Conclusion

This Gluten-Free Banana Bread is a fantastic option for anyone following a gluten-free diet or just looking for a wholesome, delicious snack. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a loaf that’s as comforting as it is tasty!