Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Banana Bread
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy this classic treat, even if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Like our Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a deliciously moist and satisfying bread.

The Be Gluten-Free Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free BAKING Cookbook
Discover the joy of baking again with 200 delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipes! From everyday bread to celebration cakes that everyone will love.
Get Your Copy TodayBaking gluten-free can sometimes feel challenging, but this banana bread recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. For more simple gluten-free recipes, check out our 10 Easy Gluten-Free Recipes for Beginners. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Enjoy a slice for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert. It’s perfect on its own or with a smear of your favorite nut butter. If you love gluten-free baking as much as we do, don’t miss our recipe for The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread.
The Magic of Gluten-Free Baking
Creating delicious gluten-free baked goods is all about understanding how to work with alternative flours. This recipe relies on a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to mimic the texture and structure of traditional banana bread. It’s a testament to how far gluten-free baking has come, allowing you to enjoy your favorite treats without compromising on taste or texture. Be sure to measure your flour correctly for the best results!
How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Get ready to bake a delicious and easy gluten-free banana bread! Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time.
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Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4 x 8 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash 2-3 very ripe bananas until they are smooth. Make sure there are no large lumps for the best texture. (Three mashed bananas are equal to 1 cup.)
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Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the mashed bananas and mix well. Then, stir in 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter until everything is well combined.
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Add Sweeteners and Extracts
Stir in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, 2 large beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
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Incorporate Gluten-Free Flour
Mix in 1 ½ cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum. If your gluten-free flour blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the mixture. Ensure all ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
*Gluten-Free Tip: The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. Using a spoon, scoop the flour into the measuring cup. After you’ve spooned the flour into the measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup.
*Gluten-Free Tip: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. We like Pillsbury gluten-free.
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Pour into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
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Bake to Perfection
Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the banana bread, as all ovens vary.
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Cool and Enjoy
Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free banana bread!
Pro Tip: For added flavor, consider mixing in mini chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts, or raisins before baking.
Dairy-Free Options: Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter alternatives like Smart Balance or Earth Balance, or use coconut oil.
Always bake with ingredients that are at room temperature. Cold ingredients do not mix as well with room-temperature ingredients.
Storage Instructions:Store in an air-tight container, at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Mama Says: Don’t forget to check all of your labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread: A Classic Made Accessible
Welcome to our take on a timeless favorite! This gluten-free banana bread recipe brings the comforting flavors of homemade baking back into your kitchen, without the gluten. Perfect for using up those overripe bananas, this bread is moist, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, leave out if your flour already has it in it
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits of our gluten-free banana bread (per serving, approximately 2 slices):
- Calories: 261kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- The primary source of energy, make sure to balance with healthy fats and protein.
- Protein: 4g
- Important for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Focus on healthy fats and minimize trans fats.
- Cholesterol: 67mg
- Be mindful of cholesterol intake in conjunction with a balanced diet.
- Sodium: 164mg
- Keep sodium levels in check for heart health.
- Potassium: 127mg
- An essential electrolyte that supports various bodily functions.
- Fiber: 3g
- Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Sugar: 23g
- Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Vitamin A: 323IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 26mg
- Iron: 1mg
Note: Nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
Here are some tips to ensure your gluten-free banana bread turns out perfectly, along with some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit different dietary needs:
Gluten-Free Baking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a more consistent batter.
- Measuring Flour: The “spoon & level” method is best for measuring gluten-free flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off the top with the back of a knife.
- Xanthan Gum: If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t include xanthan gum, add 1/4 teaspoon to help bind the ingredients.
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative (like Smart Balance or Earth Balance) or coconut oil.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with non-dairy butter or coconut oil. Use chia or flax eggs in place of regular eggs (1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
- Lower Fat Option: While it will alter the texture, you can substitute applesauce for butter. Keep in mind the bread will be less rich and potentially denser.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Fruity Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of blueberries or raisins.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of various sizes is essential for combining ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measuring is crucial for baking and cooking success.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Perfect for even baking and crispy results.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Essential for beating eggs and creating light and airy mixtures.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Ideal for folding, scraping bowls, and spreading batter.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Useful for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients quickly.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – Needed for heating liquids and making sauces.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A high-quality knife is indispensable for efficient chopping and slicing.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Provides a safe and stable surface for all your cutting needs.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon