The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is one of those timeless bakes that never goes out of style. Soft, moist, and naturally sweet, it’s the perfect way to make use of overripe bananas while filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. For those avoiding wheat, a gluten-free banana bread ensures everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food without compromise.

Unlike more complex bakes, banana bread is wonderfully approachable. Using gluten-free flour blends, eggs, and natural sweeteners, you still achieve the tender crumb and rich banana flavor that makes this loaf a favorite. It’s proof that going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up beloved traditions — it just means using smarter substitutions.

Banana bread has also seen a resurgence in recent years as a staple of meal prep, comfort baking, and even social media trends. From breakfast to afternoon snacks, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf delivers nostalgia and nourishment in every slice.

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Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Recipe Details

Yield: 12 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Whisk in eggs, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool for at least 10 minute* before slicing.

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Gluten-Free Banana Bread Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per slice (recipe yields 12 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories	≈ 200 kcal
Protein	≈ 4 g
Carbs	≈ 25 g
Sugar	≈ 13 g
Fiber	≈ 2 g
Fat	≈ 10 g

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How to Store Banana Bread

Freshly baked banana bread can stay moist and delicious for several days with proper storage:

• Room temperature: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: To extend freshness, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezer: Can you freeze banana bread? Yes! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread can last up to 3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or briefly warm in the microwave before enjoying.

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Tips for Moist Banana Bread

Everyone wants that perfect moist texture when baking banana bread. Here are a few simple tips to help achieve it:

• Use very ripe bananas. They add extra moisture (and sweetness) naturally
• Don’t overmix the batter. Gently fold until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
• Measure flour carefully. Spoon and level your gluten-free flour instead of scooping, which can pack it too tightly.
• Check your baking time. Start testing at the lower end of the suggested baking window to avoid overbaking.
• Add moisture-rich ingredients. A little bit of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even applesauce can be mixed in for extra softness, if desired.

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Variations & Tips for Gluten-Free Banana Bread

• Chocolate chip twist: Stir in dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
• Berry loaf: Add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity variation.
• Spice it up: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth.
• Mini loaves or muffins: Use muffin tins or mini pans to bake individual portions.
• Vegan swap: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal + water for an egg-free version.
• Top it off: Sprinkle with oats or a dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking for added texture.

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Best Gluten-free Banana Bread Pairings

• Almond butter or peanut butter — creamy spread to complement the loaf.
• Coconut yogurt or plain yogurt — tangy, cooling contrast to sweet banana.
• Fresh berries — strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries brighten each bite.
• Coffee or chai latte — warm beverages that pair beautifully with banana flavor.
• Honey or maple drizzle — a touch of sweetness to elevate simple slices.

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Best Times for Making Gluten-free Banana Bread

• Family breakfasts — serve warm slices with butter or spreads.
• Brunch tables — crowd-pleasing loaf for gatherings.
• Snack prep — bake ahead and pack for school or work snacks.
• Holiday mornings — cozy, nostalgic bake for festive spreads.
• Homemade gifts — wrap a loaf in parchment for neighbors or friends.

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Common Questions About Banana Bread

How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?

If you’ve ever wondered how ripe bananas should be for banana bread, the answer is: the riper, the better. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even fully brown. The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas mash easily and integrate seamlessly into the batter, giving the finished loaf a rich, deep flavor.

Tip: If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can quickly ripen them by placing them in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes until the skins darken.

How do you make banana bread more flavorful?

Here are a few ideas to customize your banana bread:

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture
• Stir in chocolate chips
• Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
• Mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries

How do you store banana bread to keep it fresh?

Knowing how to store banana bread properly makes a big difference in maintaining its moist, tender texture.

• At room temperature: Wrap your loaf in parchment paper or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the refrigerator: For a slightly longer shelf life, refrigerate the wrapped loaf for up to 1 week.

Can you freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! If you’re wondering can you freeze banana bread, the answer is yes — and it freezes beautifully.

• Whole loaf: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Individual slices: Wrap each slice separately for easy grab-and-go portions.

Freezing tip: Label with the date, and enjoy your frozen banana bread within 2–3 months for the best taste.