Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe
This Gluten-Free Banana Bread recipe offers a moist, flavorful treat that you can enjoy any time of the year. The combination of ripe bananas, aromatic spices, and a tender, gluten-free crumb creates a satisfying indulgence that appeals to anyone who appreciates good food.
My journey to develop this recipe began about six years ago when my wife was diagnosed with celiac disease. Faced with the challenge of adapting our favorite recipes, I set out to reinvent classic dishes while ensuring they were safe and enjoyable for her. Banana bread was a natural choice, as it holds a special place in my memories. I recall my mother baking it, filling our home with its inviting aroma. With this in mind, I aimed to create a gluten-free version that retains the essence of the original.
The result is a gluten-free banana bread that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s perfect for various occasions—whether you need a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or something to pack in your lunch. Picture enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with family and friends during a weekend gathering. This banana bread stands up to any traditional recipe and is sure to impress.
Using very ripe bananas is key to achieving the best flavor and moisture in this bread. Those overripe bananas that you might consider tossing are actually perfect for this recipe. The gluten-free flour blend I’ve developed ensures that the texture closely resembles traditional wheat-based banana bread. It provides the necessary structure while keeping the loaf moist and tender. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment—just mix, pour, and bake.
Reinventing classic recipes like this banana bread has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. It demonstrates that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. So grab those ripe bananas and get ready to bake something delicious that everyone can enjoy!
This recipe was born from a desire to adapt the classic banana bread I grew up with, referencing traditional wheat flour recipes while ensuring it’s accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. The result? This gluten-free banana bread recipe makes a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful addition to a school lunch.
I’m excited to share a special recipe that holds a cherished place in my heart—Gluten-Free Banana Bread. This creation is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful nod to my childhood, where the warm aroma of my mom’s banana bread filled our home. Now, as a husband and father, I’ve carried on that tradition, crafting this gluten-free version that my family absolutely adores.
- 5 tbsp Unsalted butter (Melted and cooled (if you don't have unsalted butter, use salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp)
- 3 medium Ripe bananas (Mashed, see notes below)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (If you don’t have corn syrup substitute maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup Granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup Light brown sugar (Packed)
- 210 grams Gluten-free flour blend (1 1/2 cups) (See notes below)
- 56 grams Almond flour (1/2 cup)
- 1 1/2 tsp Xanthan gum
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (See notes below)
- 1/2 cup Chocolate chips, walnuts, raisins or GF oats (optional) (Get creative)
Gather your equipment and ingredients and preheat the oven at 350°F (175°C).
Prepare loaf pan by lining the loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and hangs over the long sides of the pan, and you can optionally grease the pan with cooking spray or butter.
Melt and cool the butter.
Mash the bananas in a medium bowl with a fork until smooth and free of large chunks.
Whisk together wet ingredients (bananas, butter, egg and vanilla).
In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
Pour wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Let the pan rest on the counter for 15 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
Bake for at lest 60 minutes up to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the banana bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Alternatively, if you prefer using a thermometer, you can aim for an internal temperature of around 200°F (93°C) for banana bread.
Serve and Enjoy: Cool on a baking rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ripening Bananas for Your Banana Bread
To achieve the sweetest and most flavorful Gluten-Free Banana Bread, using ripe bananas is essential. Here are a few methods to ripen your bananas quickly:
1. Freezing Overnight
If you have bananas that are not quite ripe enough, you can freeze them overnight. Simply place the bananas in their peels in the freezer. Once frozen, thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave for a few minutes before using. The freezing process breaks down the starches, making them sweeter and easier to mash.
2. Microwave Method
For a quick fix, you can use the microwave. Place the unpeeled bananas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they are soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. This method will also enhance their sweetness, making them perfect for your banana bread.
3. Ripening on the Counter
If you have a bit more time, simply leave your bananas out on the counter at room temperature. They will naturally ripen over a few days. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag with an apple or a ripe banana, as this will help trap ethylene gas, which promotes ripening.
Why Ripe Bananas Matter
Using ripe bananas not only enhances the sweetness of your banana bread but also contributes to a moist texture. So, choose your ripening method and enjoy the delicious results in your baking!
Gluten-Free Flours
When it comes to baking gluten-free, the type of flour you use can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your final product. Here are some important tips regarding gluten-free flours for your Banana Bread recipe:
1. Homemade Flour Blend
I use a custom gluten-free flour blend that I make myself, which weighs approximately 140 grams per cup. This blend typically includes a mix of gluten-free flours such as white and brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum and milk powder, providing a balanced texture and flavor for baking.
2. Store-Bought Gluten-Free Flours
If you prefer to use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend, it's crucial to check the packaging for the weight per cup, as this can vary between brands. Each manufacturer may have a different formulation, which affects the density and weight of their flour.
Here are several that are available from Amazon:
King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
Cup4Cup Gluten Free Multipurpose Flour
None of these flours contain xanthan gum. So if your recipe calls for xanthan gum, omit the extra xanthan if using one of these blends. All of the manufacturers promote these products as a one-to-one replacement.
3. Measuring for Accuracy
For the most accurate results, I highly recommend using a digital food scale to measure your gluten-free flour. Measuring by weight ensures that you have the correct amount, leading to more consistent and successful baking outcomes. This method eliminates the variability that can come from measuring by volume, especially with gluten-free flours, which can be compacted or aerated differently.
By paying attention to these details, you'll set yourself up for success in creating a delicious and moist Gluten-Free Banana Bread. Happy baking!
Kosher Salt
You can use kosher salt in this recipe; however, the crystal of table salt and kosher salt are not the same. So a teaspoon of one is not the same as a teaspoon of the other. Here are equivalents for two commonly available kosher salt brands:
To Replace: 1 teaspoon table salt
• 2 teaspoon diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Morton Kosher Salt
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