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Gluten-Free Banana Bread - Moist, Easy, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/3 cups mashed)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or light olive oil) or melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark) or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1 blend with xanthan gum)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or both (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with a parchment sling for easy removal.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and well combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps prevent clumps and ensures even rise.
  5. Bring the batter together: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
  6. Fill the pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on top for a slight crackly crust.
  7. Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Cool properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Lift it out using the parchment, then cool completely on a rack before slicing. This step helps the loaf set and prevents crumbling.
  9. Slice and serve: Use a serrated knife for neat slices. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or toasted with butter or nut butter.