The aroma of warm banana bread filling your kitchen creates that instant feeling of home that brings everyone running to see what's baking. This gluten free banana bread transformed my family's morning routine after my daughter's celiac diagnosis left us missing our favorite weekend treat. Now it's become our go-to comfort baking recipe that tastes so incredible, even gluten-loving friends request the recipe.
The tender crumb and rich banana flavor prove that gluten free baking doesn't mean sacrificing taste or texture. You'll discover this simple recipe delivers bakery-quality results using pantry-friendly ingredients without any complicated techniques.
Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Banana Bread
This gluten free banana bread solves every celiac family's Breakfast and snack dilemma with its perfect balance of moistness and flavor. The bread stays incredibly tender for days thanks to the natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a secret ingredient combination my grandmother taught me. What makes this basic banana bread absolutely irresistible is how it tastes exactly like traditional versions without any gritty texture or weird aftertaste.
My kids actually prefer this over store-bought options, which tells you everything about how amazing it tastes. The best part? It's simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions. This after school banana bread recipe feeds a crowd and costs less than specialty bakery versions.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Banana Bread
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Gluten Free Banana Bread
- Aliana's Pro Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- What to Serve With Gluten Free Banana Bread
- FAQs About Gluten Free Banana Bread
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More BREAKFAST
What You'll Need
These carefully chosen ingredients work together to create the perfect texture that makes this cinnamon banana bread absolutely unforgettable.
Main Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups gluten free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Optional Extras
Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips add perfect texture contrast, while extra cinnamon creates that warming spice blend that makes this dairy free banana bread even more comforting.
This gluten free banana bread is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Gluten Free Banana Bread
Prep Your Pan
Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal from the pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed throughout.
Bring It Together
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined - don't overmix or the bread will be tough.
Q: Can I make cinnamon swirl banana bread with this recipe? Absolutely! Reserve 2 tablespoons of batter mixed with extra cinnamon and swirl it through the loaf before baking for beautiful ribbons.
Bake to Perfection
Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Properly
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to finish cooling completely before slicing.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to perfect gluten free banana bread lies in using the ripest bananas possible - they should have brown spots and feel soft to the touch.
Overly green bananas won't provide enough natural sweetness or moisture that gluten free flours need.
My sister learned this when her first loaf turned out dense and bland using barely ripe bananas!
Also, resist the urge to peek in the oven during the first 45 minutes of baking, as gluten free batters are more sensitive to temperature changes.
Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and most even baking.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap butter for coconut oil to make this completely dairy free banana bread, or try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for extra nutrition. Different gluten free flour blends work well, just ensure they contain xanthan gum.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store your freshly baked banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavors actually develop more after the first day, making day-two slices even more delicious. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Gluten Free Banana Bread
This gluten free banana bread pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea. My family loves it toasted with a pat of butter that melts into every bite, while cream cheese frosting transforms it into an elegant dessert perfect for entertaining guests.
FAQs About Gluten Free Banana Bread
What's the best gluten free flour blend to use?
Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur Gluten Free Flour work perfectly. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
Usually from overmixing the batter or using bananas that weren't ripe enough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy free too?
Yes! Use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk. The texture stays perfectly moist and delicious.
How do I know when it's fully baked in the oven?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, and the top should spring back when lightly touched.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more gluten free baking that celebrates comfort food flavors, these treats deliver the same satisfying warmth with foolproof results. My gluten free chocolate chip muffins use similar techniques, while my cinnamon coffee cake offers that same cozy weekend feeling your family will request for every special occasion. Both recipes take under an hour and use simple ingredients you probably already have.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe:
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