Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Favorites

I love baking, and nothing brings back memories of my childhood quite like the smell of fresh banana bread. This Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe was born out of my desire to create a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone, including my gluten-sensitive friends, could enjoy. By using ripe bananas and a blend of gluten-free flours, I've achieved a texture that is deliciously soft and slightly crumbly, making it perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:09:35.255Z

While experimenting with my favorite banana bread recipe, I realized that with a few adjustments to my dry ingredients, I could make it gluten-free without compromising on flavor. Choosing ripe bananas is key—they not only sweeten the bread naturally but also provide moisture, making every slice delightfully soft. Each time I bake this recipe, I relish the delightful aroma wafting through my home, instantly lifting my spirits.

One of the secrets to this recipe is letting the batter rest for about ten minutes before pouring it into the baking tin. This helps the gluten-free flour absorb moisture better, resulting in a more cohesive and tender loaf. I often add a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch of decadence. You'll find that this bread keeps well and can be frozen for a quick snack later!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that doesn't crumble
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas
Perfectly customizable with nuts or chocolate chips

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The foundation of any great banana bread lies in the quality of your ripe bananas. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots, as the natural sugars will enhance the sweetness and moisture of the bread. If you have bananas that are yellow but not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two. This will help you achieve the perfect level of sweetness for your loaf.

Using gluten-free all-purpose flour is essential for this recipe to maintain a light texture. Not all gluten-free blends are created equal, so I recommend using one that contains xanthan gum, which will help provide structure to the bread. If you prefer, you can create your own blend of gluten-free flours such as almond flour or coconut flour, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf rather than a fluffy one. Stir just until you see no dry flour remaining; a few lumps are perfectly fine. If you find that your batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or almond milk to achieve a better consistency before pouring it into the loaf pan.

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of your bananas. Start checking your banana bread at the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is done. If it’s still wet, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes until it’s just right. Remember, the bread will continue to firm up as it cools.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful gluten-free banana bread.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your gluten-free banana bread.

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in walnuts and/or chocolate chips if using.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your warm, homemade gluten-free banana bread!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Additionally, the bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This gluten-free banana bread excels in flavor over time, making it an excellent candidate for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks. You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking.

For storage, allow the bread to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored at room temperature, it should remain fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider slicing the loaf and freezing individual pieces. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, making it easy to grab a slice whenever you’re craving a tasty snack.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Enjoy your gluten-free banana bread as-is or spread a thin layer of almond butter or cream cheese on top for added richness. For an extra touch, serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. If you want to elevate the flavors, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of almond milk—this combination is sure to become a favorite!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins. Along with walnuts and chocolate chips, you could incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or coconut flakes. If you're in the mood for a spiced version, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger, which will complement the bananas beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other flours instead of gluten-free all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can experiment with almond flour or oat flour, but the texture may vary.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and substitute coconut oil with a plant-based oil.

→ What can I add to mix up the flavors?

Consider adding dried fruits, seeds, or spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.