Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

This moist and flavourful Gluten Free Banana Bread recipe is a staple for any Celiac Disease safe kitchen.

By using a generous amount of mashed bananas and a balanced flour-to-moisture ratio, this recipe achieves a tender, soft crumb that rivals any traditional banana loaf. Perfectly sweet with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, it’s an easy-to-make classic that works just as well for a quick breakfast as it does for a thoughtful gluten free gift.

Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

5 from 37 votes
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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 1 hour 5 minutes
Total 1 hour 15 minutes
With its super-moist texture, buttery banana flavours and incredibly soft crumb, this is the best Gluten Free Banana Bread recipe we offer in our kitchen. You’ll need 4-5 ripe bananas to begin baking this banana bread recipe!
Servings 1 loaf
Course Breakfast

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour gluten free
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups mashed bananas
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • ¾ cup walnuts optional
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips optional
Let’s Start Cooking

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C)
  2. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. 
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup sugar
  3. On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
    2 large eggs
  4. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no gluten free flour pockets remain.
    2 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. Beat in the mashed bananas, and vanilla extract on medium speed until combined. 
    2 1/2 cups mashed bananas, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in additional ingredients (walnuts, chocolate chips, etc)
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4 cup walnuts, 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.
  9. Loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil after 30 minutes to help prevent the top and sides from getting too brown.
  10. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf will come out clean when the bread is done.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
  12. Cover and store banana bread at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

Nutrition Details

Serving –1loafCalories –4200.97kcal

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Banana Bread Muffins:
Use this gluten free banana bread recipe to make banana bread muffins.
Pour the batter into a lined or greased muffin pan and bake for 5 minutes at 425°F (218°C) then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Bake for an additional 16-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The total bake time for the banana bread muffins is about 22-23 minutes. The initial burst of hot air helps rise nice and tall!
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The Secret to Perfect Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

For those living with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding a bread that doesn’t crumble into dry dust the moment you slice it can feel like a quest. Banana bread is the quintessential comfort food, but in the gluten-free world, it requires a bit of science to get that iconic “squish” and soft texture. At Gluten Free Journey, we’ve perfected this recipe to ensure every bite is as moist and delicious as the traditional version you remember.

Choosing the Right Bananas

The foundation of any great banana loaf is, of course, the fruit. For the best results, you want bananas that are well past the point of being “snackable.” Look for skins that are covered in brown spots or even entirely black. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugar, providing a natural sweetness and a high moisture content that is essential for gluten free baking. If your bananas aren’t quite ready, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or even roasting them in their skins at 300°F for 15 minutes until they turn dark.

Navigating Gluten Free Flour Blends

The most common mistake in gluten free baking is using a “one-size-fits-all” approach to flour. For this recipe, we recommend a high-quality gluten free all-purpose blend that already contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum acts as the glue that gluten usually provides, giving the bread structure and preventing it from becoming too crumbly. If your blend doesn’t include it, add 1/2 teaspoon to your dry ingredients. Remember to measure your flour using the spoon and level method rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to a dense, heavy loaf.

Moisture and Ratio: Why This Recipe Works

In gluten-free baking, the ratio of dry to wet ingredients is much more sensitive. This recipe calls for 2.5 cups of mashed bananas, a higher volume than many traditional recipes. This is intentional. Gluten free flours, especially those containing rice or potato starch, are thirsty and absorb more liquid. The extra banana mash ensures the crumb stays hydrated and soft for days.

Customizing Your Banana Loaf

While this banana bread is spectacular on its own, it’s also a versatile canvas for your favourite additions.

  • The Crunch Factor: Add 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty texture.
  • For the Sweet Tooth: Fold in 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter stick.

Baking and Cooling for Success

Patience is the final ingredient. Because gluten free batters can be quite wet, they often brown on the outside before the middle is fully set. If you notice the top of your loaf getting too dark at the 30 minute mark, loosely tent it with aluminum foil. This allows the center to continue cooking without burning the crust. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely in the pan. This cooling period allows the starches to set, ensuring your slices hold together perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this banana bread recipe vegan?

Yes! To make this banana bread vegan, replace the two eggs with “flax eggs” (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

A sunken center usually happens if the bread is taken out of the oven too early or if there was too much leavening agent. Ensure your baking soda is fresh and use a toothpick to check that the center is fully baked before removing it.

How should I store gluten free banana bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.

Can I use this batter for muffins?

Yes! This recipe makes excellent muffins. Simply pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Do I need to use a stand mixer?

While a stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, you can definitely make this by hand with a sturdy whisk and a bit of elbow grease. Just be careful not to overmix once the flour is added.

37 thoughts on “Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe”
  1. 5 stars
    My friends and I had a “banana bread bake-off” and I used this recipe which has been my go to for some time. We had a panel of judges consisting of about 10 kids and 6 adults. This recipe won by a landslide (I was not at all surprised)! I have yet to taste a gluten free banana bread better than this!

  2. 5 stars
    This is by far the best recipe. I added chocolate chips last time and made muffins instead. Perfect.

  3. 5 stars
    This is my go-to gluten free banana bread recipe, my family will finish a loaf within hours of it coming out of the oven! I usually sprinkle some crushed walnuts on top or mix-in some chocolate chips (the little ones LOVE when I do this).

    This recipe also works with mini loaves as well and it makes 3 for me. I bake these mini loaves for 30 minutes, then cover the tops with tinfoil (to avoid burning), then pop them back in the oven to bake for another 17 mins. They come out super cute 😀

  4. 5 stars
    Excellent recipe!! I added 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and brushed the top with a mixture of 1tbs water and 3 tbs brown sugar for a sweet crunch on top.

  5. 5 stars
    Just made a banana bread using your recipe. It was so simple to follow. I added some dried cranberries, just because I had them. It is in the oven now and it smells delicious. Thank you for a quick, and easy recipe. I love to bake and this was a great recipe to add to my favorites

  6. 5 stars
    My family loves this banana bread – I like to toss 1/2 C chocolate chips into the flour then stir it into the mix so the chips don’t sink to the bottom. This is the best recipe out there.

  7. 5 stars
    I have made this banana bread a million times over the years and I’m just now leaving a review. It is the BEST! This recipe is pure perfection and comes out amazing every time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes!

  8. 5 stars
    Recently I have been making banana bread using your recipe. It is amazing. I add different fruit to the mixture. My family and friends love it. Every time I see bananas at the product reduce table I buy them and if I have time I will bake a loaf if not I freeze them until I’m ready to bake. Thank you for this great easy recipe 👍

  9. 5 stars
    Great recipe! Added 1/4 cup walnuts. Used light brown sugar. GF all purpose bread flour. Also added some ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.

  10. 5 stars
    This recipe is perfect! I let my bananas get black in the fridge and this was by far my best banana bread yet! I also added a couple scoops of Chia seeds in and my kids had no clue lol. The loaf didn’t even last the whole day. Yummy!

  11. 5 stars
    This is my go banana bread recipe!! People at work give me their bananas so I will make more! My kids and hubby love it too!
    I love how easy it is to make and it never fails. ❤️

  12. 5 stars
    Our favourite recipe for banana bread. A great rise, moist & such a useful recipe for using up over ripe bananas especially during a hot spell. Freezes well.

  13. 5 stars
    Oh. My. Goodness. This banana bread is INCREDIBLE!!!!! I would give it a hundred stars if I could! the texture is wonderful – moist and buttery. And the flavor is incredible, too. It is not too sweet, so you can really taste the banana. I used frozen bananas and wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but it was great! Will totally recommend!

  14. 5 stars
    I am an innkeeper who serves fresh baked goods daily. There has been another banana bread recipe I used religiously before this one, and after trying this last night, I will never go back! The bread is perfectly moist and the crumb is spot on. Here are the additions/alterations I would suggest for those making it:

    – Use fresh bananas, not frozen. It took quite a bit extra time in the oven due to the extra liquid from the frozen bananas. Not an issue for me since we make it the night before, but could be an issue for someone in a time crunch.

    – Toss add-ins (chocolate chips, walnuts, etc.) in flour before mixing in! This was quite a thin batter for me (probably the extra liquid from bananas) and the chocolate chips most sunk. Not an issue, just affects aesthetics! Flour will prevent them from sinking in the future. It slipped my mind before I added them haha.

    – I added cinnamon and vanilla to my batter, something I do with most baked goods. Tasted great!

  15. 5 stars
    This banana bread is fantastic! It’s moist, flavorful, and super easy to make. I love how the brown sugar adds that extra sweetness. Definitely my go-to recipe!

  16. 5 stars
    ate with this recipe. so moist and tasty. I definitely recommend including the walnuts and adding some mini semi-sweet chocolate chips!

  17. 5 stars
    My kids are asking for 3rds and my husband isn’t up yet … this is the only recipe from now on

5 from 37 votes

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