There’s something about the smell of banana bread baking that instantly softens the edges of a hectic morning. I remember the last time I made this gluten-free banana bread—it was one of those slow Sunday mornings when the light slipped quietly through the kitchen window, and the whole house smelled warm and sweet. I was halfway through peeling the bananas when my phone buzzed, distracting me just long enough to almost forget about the oven timer. When I finally sliced into the loaf, the crumb was tender and moist, with just the right hint of cinnamon teasing the senses. It wasn’t perfect—some slices were thicker than others, and I might’ve eaten a bit too much before breakfast—but it felt like a little homemade comfort wrapped up in each bite.
- Moist and tender texture that holds up beautifully without gluten
- A warm blend of ripe bananas and subtle cinnamon for gentle sweetness
- Simple to prepare, without any complicated steps or rare ingredients
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just good bread.
- Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, but it’s not going to replace your favorite cake
If you’re new to gluten-free baking, this recipe is pretty forgiving. It’s not about perfection but about enjoying a homemade treat that fits your needs. Sometimes I like to toast a slice lightly and spread a little butter or almond butter on top while it’s still warm. That moment, when the butter melts slowly into the crumb, is kind of my favorite.
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Gluten-Free Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A moist and delicious gluten-free banana bread made with ripe bananas and a blend of gluten-free flours. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Add the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to bring this loaf to life—just a simple loaf pan and your usual mixing bowls. For serving, it pairs well with a cup of black coffee or herbal tea, especially on a quiet weekend morning. If you want to switch things up, I’ve tried adding chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips, but honestly, the bread is just as satisfying on its own. Sometimes I toss in a pinch more cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavor, but you can totally keep it straightforward. I haven’t tested it with other gluten-free flour blends, so results might vary if you swap that out.
FAQ
Can I freeze this banana bread? Yes, wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to three months works well. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Is it very sweet? It has a gentle sweetness, thanks to the bananas and a modest amount of sugar—nothing overpowering.
Can I make it dairy-free? I haven’t tried it myself, but substituting the butter for a plant-based alternative might work if you’re careful.
How ripe should the bananas be? The riper the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots to get that deep flavor and moist texture.
Give this gluten-free banana bread a try next time you crave a slice of comfort. Once you have a loaf ready, it’s hard not to keep coming back for one more bite.