Gluten Free Banana Bread

If you've got a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this gluten free banana bread is exactly what you need. It's soft, perfectly sweet, and has that moist banana bread texture without any gluten. Even better? You don't need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Once you make it, don't be surprised if it becomes your go-to way of using up brown bananas every week!

Why You'll Love This Easy Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe

This recipe is one of those go-to staples you'll make on repeat. It works for breakfast, snacks, or even a quick dessert. And if you're dairy-free too, you're in luck because this recipe doesn't contain any dairy ingredients!

• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Super moist and fluffy (not dense like some GF breads)
• It's dairy-free too!
• Freezer-friendly

Tips for the Best Gluten Free Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas
This is key for flavor and natural sweetness. Think lots of brown spots!

Don't overmix the batter
Gluten free flour blends can get gummy if overworked.

Check your flour blend
Make sure it contains xanthan gum. My go-to gluten free flour for baking is King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Let it cool completely
This is especially important for gluten free baked goods. They firm up as they cool.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (the browner, the better)
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup oil
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Optional add-ins:

• Chocolate chips (make sure they're dairy-free if needed)
• Chopped walnuts

If you love this gluten free quick bread recipe, I think you'll also love this Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Bread and this Gluten Free Strawberry Bread with Fresh Strawberry Glaze

Banana Slice Topping (Optional but So Worth It!)

For that bakery-style finish, try adding two banana slices right on top of your batter before baking. Simply slice a banana lengthwise and gently place the pieces cut-side up down the center of the loaf. Then sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top.

As it bakes, the bananas caramelize and the brown sugar melts into the surface, creating a slightly crisp, golden top with extra banana flavor in every bite. It not only makes your gluten free banana bread look beautiful, but adds a subtle sweetness and texture that takes it to the next level.

If you're going for that soft, moist center with a lightly caramelized top (like in the photos), this step is absolutely worth it!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
3. Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (don't overmix).
6. Fold in any add-ins if using.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before slicing (this helps it set and not crumble).

Gluten Free Banana Bread Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these:

• Chocolate chip banana bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips
• Nutty version: Add walnuts or pecans
• Healthier option: Swap sugar for maple syrup (reduce slightly)

Turning This Recipe Into Gluten Free Banana Muffins

Want a quicker option? You can easily turn this into gluten free banana bread muffins!

Just:

• Divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin
• Fill about ¾ full
• Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes

They're perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or grab-and-go snacks.

Need more gluten free recipes to use up your brown bananas? You'll have to try these Healthy Banana Coconut Breakfast Cookies (Grain Free & Vegan) and these Almond Flour Banana Muffins (High Protein & Grain Free)

How to Store

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Keeps for about 5-6 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months

Pro tip: Wrap individual slices so you can grab one whenever you need a quick snack.

Have you tried this recipe? Be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!

Let's Bake!