Gluten_free_Banana_Bread_recipe

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

ByJulia Child

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. And when it’s gluten-free, it opens up the opportunity for everyone to enjoy it—whether you’re gluten intolerant or simply looking for a healthier option. This gluten-free banana bread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Let’s dive right into the recipe and tips that will make your banana bread a hit!

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free flour blend (make sure it has xanthan gum included)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, leaving some small chunks for added texture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. If the batter seems too thick, add the milk to reach a slightly pourable consistency.
  6. Add Sweeteners and Extras: Stir in the coconut sugar (or maple syrup) and any add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
  7. Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
  9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes:

  • Ripe Bananas Are Key: The riper the bananas, the better your banana bread will taste. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas adds flavor and moisture, so don’t be afraid to let them get a little brown!
  • Flour Mix: Gluten-free flours can vary greatly, so make sure you’re using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. If you’re not using a blend with xanthan gum, you can add about 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum yourself to help with the texture.
  • Sweetness: You can adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less coconut sugar or maple syrup, depending on your preference.

Time & Servings:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 slices (depending on thickness)

Storage:

To store your gluten-free banana bread, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider freezing individual slices for easy access later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 150-200 kcal (depending on the ingredients used)
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 9g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

  • Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so be gentle with the batter!
  • Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your banana bread towards the end of the bake time. If it’s getting too brown, cover it with foil and let it finish baking.
  • Flavor Boosters: You can also try adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or a sprinkle of ground flaxseed for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Serve:

This banana bread is perfect as a stand-alone treat, but you can also serve it with a spread of almond butter or your favorite nut butter for an extra protein boost. It’s also fantastic with a cup of tea or coffee as an afternoon snack.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fork or potato masher (for the bananas)
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack (for cooling)

FAQs about Gluten-Free Banana Bread:

  1. Can I use other flour types instead of gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you’re not gluten-free. However, the recipe is designed to work with gluten-free flours, so sticking to that will yield the best results.
  2. Can I make this banana bread vegan? Absolutely! Simply swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 flax egg). You can also use a non-dairy milk option to make it completely vegan.
  3. How can I make the banana bread even sweeter? You can increase the amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup to taste. If you love a sweeter bread, try adding a few extra tablespoons!
  4. Can I freeze banana bread? Yes! Banana bread freezes beautifully. Simply slice it, wrap the slices in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster for a quick treat.
  5. Why did my banana bread turn out dense? If your banana bread is dense, it’s likely because the batter was overmixed. Be sure to mix just until combined. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh and active, as this can affect the texture.

Final Thoughts:

This Gluten-Free Banana Bread is a perfect blend of moist texture and sweet flavor, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make with simple ingredients like ripe bananas and gluten-free flour, it’s suitable for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. Whether you enjoy it plain or with walnuts or chocolate chips, this banana bread is sure to satisfy. Enjoy it fresh or store for later—this comforting recipe will quickly become a favorite! Happy baking!

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