Name: Gluten Free Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 whole very ripe bananas ((mashed, about 1 cup)); ¾ cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar); ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil ((plus more for brushing)); ½ cup almond milk; 2 whole eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All-Purpose Baking Flour; ½ cup almond flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup chopped walnuts ((plus 2 tablespoons for topping)); 1 tablespoon rolled oats ((for topping))

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There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and just delightful to share with family and friends. This Gluten Free Banana Bread recipe brings together the rich sweetness of ripe bananas and the wholesome goodness of gluten-free ingredients, making it a treat anyone can enjoy. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a household favorite.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

What makes this Gluten Free Banana Bread a hit? It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures—moist and dense yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. The combination of coconut sugar and ripe bananas gives it a natural sweetness that’s hard to resist, while the addition of walnuts adds a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just looking for a delicious banana bread to bake, this recipe won’t disappoint!

What’s in the Bowl

Let’s break down the ingredients that create this scrumptious Gluten Free Banana Bread:

2 very ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup)
¾ cup coconut sugar or regular sugar
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
½ cup almond milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
½ cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup chopped walnuts, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1 tablespoon rolled oats, for topping

Hardware & Gadgets

You’ll need a few essential tools to make this Gluten Free Banana Bread:

Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking!
Whisk: To mix your ingredients smoothly.
Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of your bowl.
Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly.
Oven: Preheated to ensure even baking.

From Start to Finish: Gluten Free Banana Bread

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful Gluten Free Banana Bread.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan with extra-virgin olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the coconut sugar, olive oil, almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold them together using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving 2 tablespoons for the topping.

Step 7: Pour and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved walnuts and rolled oats on top to add a crunchy texture.

Step 8: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

Looking to make your Gluten Free Banana Bread even healthier? Consider these options:

Swap out coconut sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
Incorporate shredded zucchini or applesauce for added moisture and nutrition.
Omit the nuts for a nut-free version, or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Flavor Logic

What makes this Gluten Free Banana Bread so irresistibly delicious?

The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, essential for a tender crumb.
Coconut sugar adds a caramel-like flavor, enhancing the bread’s richness.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, comforting aroma, perfect for cozy mornings.
Walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the softness of the bread.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your Gluten Free Banana Bread fresh and tasty:

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to 3 months!
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven or microwave for a few seconds.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing them to avoid a soggy batter.

Can I substitute the eggs?

Yes, you can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with additional gluten-free all-purpose flour. However, almond flour adds a wonderful texture and flavor, so it’s recommended if you can get it.

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

The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, and the top is golden brown.

Make It Tonight

There’s no time like the present to whip up a batch of this Gluten Free Banana Bread. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a warm loaf ready to enjoy in just over an hour. Whether you share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself (we won’t judge!), this recipe is a must-try.

Baking is a joyful experience, and this Gluten Free Banana Bread is the perfect way to celebrate the humble banana. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!