Gluten-free banana bread. If you’re like me, you’ve probably stared at spotty bananas thinking, what am I supposed to do with these? Plus, everyone in my house wants something sweet and snacky, but we’ve got gluten problems galore. Finding a foolproof treat isn’t easy. That’s honestly what turned me onto experimenting with classic sweet breads and then snagging tips from this artisan gluten-free bread guide. So, if you’ve ever craved that perfectly moist banana loaf—minus the wheat—stick around. This is for you!
Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe
I’ll just say it. This gluten-free banana bread recipe has rocked my world. After too many dry, crumbly, downright sad attempts, I landed on a combo that’s moist, flavorful, and even picky eaters go wild for. If you have trouble believing gluten-free baking can taste just as good as the “regular” stuff, you’re in for a surprise. I’m talking about a banana bread that holds together when you slice it, tastes rich, and has a tender crumb. You can add in your own spins, too. Sometimes I throw dark chocolate chips in there, sometimes walnuts for crunch. Even my neighbor—who swears by bakery bread—went for a second slice and asked for the recipe. Honestly, can’t beat that.
“As someone new to gluten-free baking, I can finally say my banana bread cravings are satisfied! This recipe is my new weekly staple.” –Michelle W.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 medium overripe bananas (the browner, the better)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (more flavor than white, promise)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (the kind with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but… should you skip it? I never do)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or both, live a little

How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Okay, let me level with you—this whole process is way less scary than you think. First, mash up your bananas in a big-ish bowl. I just use a fork, nothing fancy. Toss in the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla. Give it a good stir. Then, add all the dry stuff right on top: gluten-free flour blend (for best results, check out this in-depth gluten-free banana bread flour guide), baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until almost no powder remains. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time.
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment or greased (parchment just makes your life easier). Pop it into a 350°F oven for about 55 to 65 minutes. Now, here’s the deal—oven times are wonky, so start checking at 50 minutes. A toothpick in the middle should come out with just crumbs, not batter. Once done, let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes (torture, right?) then cool it on a rack. Take a whiff and try not to cut it too early (I always fail).
Tips and Suggestions for Success
I’ve lived the heartbreak of gritty, sad, or wet-bottomed gluten-free banana bread. So, here’s some hard-earned wisdom. Use bananas that look like they’ve survived one too many school lunches—anything just yellow isn’t ripe enough. Make sure your gluten-free flour blend actually includes xanthan gum, or you’ll have a banana crumble mess.
Don’t overmix, I mean, just combine the batter, then walk away (get a coffee or wrangle the dog). Overmixing turns things gluey. Oil instead of butter keeps things lighter and moist, but feel free to go wild and use melted butter for extra flavor. If you want to jazz it up, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or coconut on top before baking.
Sometimes, when I want something even more breakfasty, I’ll add blueberries right into the mix. If you want more gluten-free sweet bread inspo, check apple cinnamon sweet gluten-free bread or fruity gluten-free bread for wild ideas. Swapping brown sugar for honey? Go for it. Oh, and let your bread rest before slicing—texture gets even better, swear.
Storing/Freezing Instructions
Alright, so you didn’t eat the whole loaf (miracle). Keep your gluten-free banana bread fresh and tasty with these ideas:
- Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil—keeps it soft for up to three days on the counter.
- For longer storage, pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, but warm slices in the microwave for that “fresh out of the oven” feel.
- To freeze, just slice the bread, wrap individual pieces, and store them in a zip bag. Take out what you need and thaw at room temp or give a quick nuke.
Basically, you’ll never have dry banana bread blues again.
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Choose Ripe Bananas | Use bananas that are overly ripe for optimal sweetness and moistness. The browner, the better! |
Don’t Overmix | Mix until just combined to avoid a dense loaf. Less mixing means better texture. |
Rest Before Slicing | Let the bread rest after baking to improve its texture. Patience pays off! |
Customize | Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices to personalize your loaf. |
Store Properly | Wrap the bread tightly to keep it moist; freeze individual slices for easy snacks. |
Common Questions
Totally fine to leave out the nuts. You can swap for seeds (like pumpkin seeds), or just go plain.
Yep, coconut sugar works—your gluten-free banana bread might turn out a little less sweet and a bit more earthy, but still yum.
You can! Replace eggs with flax “eggs” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Texture’s a bit more dense but still good.
Usually, it’s underbaked or has too much liquid. Make sure you test with a toothpick and check your flour blend isn’t too starchy.
I like the kind that already includes xanthan gum. If you’re into details, peek at these gluten-free bread baking basics or try the homemade stuff if you’re feeling bold.
You’ll Go Bananas for This Bread
So, there you have it. Seriously moist gluten-free banana bread that’s easier than you expect and honestly about as close to five-star as homemade gets. Just a few honest tricks and real life tips to make your kitchen smell like a bakery—no gluten necessary. If you need more inspo, check Gluten-Free Banana Bread – Mama Knows Gluten Free for another take or peek at Gluten-Free Banana Bread (5-Star Recipe!) – Meaningful Eats for even more ideas. Now, what are you waiting for? Get those sad bananas and make some magic. Let me know if you try this—it always makes my day.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread
A moist and flavorful gluten-free banana bread recipe that even picky eaters love.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 medium overripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork.
- Add eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract; stir well.
- Add gluten-free flour blend, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; mix until almost no powder remains.
- If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips now.
- Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 to 65 minutes, starting to check at 50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture. Don’t overmix to avoid a dense loaf. Let the bread rest after baking for better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free