By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On January 15, 2023
Rich, fudgy, tender Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread that's better than any bakery style bread.
This delicious quick bread is incredibly simple to make and will save you time in the kitchen.
If you love banana bread you might also like my Gluten-Free Banana Bread, or my Gluten Free Banana Cake. If you are a fan of blueberries you’ll want to make my Gluten-Frehttp://banana breade Blueberry Banana Muffins.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread
What is the one thing we need more of? (I heard some of you yell MONEY!) But in my opinion it's time. It feels like we have a ton to do, but never enough time to do it.
We work hard each day, go home and take care of household chores, and then by the time we need to make dinner, or bake up something for the next morning we are exhausted. Am I right?
Okay, maybe not every day is like that for everyone, but I know I always wish I had more time. I want to get all my work done and have time to play, and time to bake!
All the recipes on my site are designed to be simple, saving you time in the kitchen.
Start with this Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread. Yum, just saying it out loud is a mouthful of deliciousness.
Would you believe me if I told you that you could have this scrumptious bread in the oven in 5 minutes? Before the oven officially finishes preheating, it'll be ready to go.
This recipe is as simple as throwing everything in a bowl and whisking it up. Quick breads have always been a easy and fail-proof way to bake up a yummy treat.
When we first started our gluten-free lifestyle quick breads were one of the firsts things I converted to gluten-free because of how easy they are.
Ingredients in Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread
Bananas - This recipe calls for two overripe bananas. The more overripe they are, the more flavor they will add.
Unsweetened applesauce - If you don't have applesauce you can increase it to 3 overripe bananas.
Oil - You can use your oil of choice. We used avocado oil
Sugar - Add flavor and helps with the tender texture.
Eggs - Helps bind the ingredients and aid in the texture.
Vanilla Extract - Adds flavor and enhances the cocoa flavors.
Gluten Free Flour Blend - We've used my gluten free flour blend and Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour (not the all purpose gluten free flour) in this recipe.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Gives this gluten free chocolate banana bread it's rich, chocolaty flavor.
Baking Soda - Helps the chocolate banana bread rise.
Salt - Enhances the other flavors.
Chocolate Chips - Brings this chocolate banana bread to a whole new level. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this chocolate banana bread dairy-free.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will get back to you.
How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Bread
- In a large mixing bowl mix mashed banana and applesauce.
- Add oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap it on the counter a few times until it's level. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.
Working with Gluten-Free Flours
When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
The best method really is to weight it but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.
Easy recipes like this gluten-free banana bread are the ones I tend to turn to during a busy week or when we are planning to travel.
Like many people, I get so caught up in everyday life and working on the blog that I often forget to bake something for the girls to have for breakfast or to snack on.
Those exact moments are why I am so glad that I turn to simplicity in the kitchen.
I often get questions, here are just a few that I've received about gluten-free banana bread.
Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda to make gluten-free banana bread?
Yes! I’s not a 1 to 1 but if you’re in a pinch you can use baking powder to help your gluten-free banana bread rise.
To substitute the baking soda with baking powder, use 4 teaspoons for every teaspoon of baking soda called for in a recipe.
For example, in this recipe it calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, simply use 4 teaspoons of baking powder (unless you are at a high altitude, then this substitution may not work well for you).
How do you know when your gluten-free chocolate banana bread is done?
I always recommend that you start testing your banana bread for doneness about 5-7 minutes before the recipe calls for.
Oven temperatures may vary and this can effect your actual baking time. Insert a cake tester or long toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
Pin for Later:
This Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana bread is a spin of my Gluten-Free Banana Muffins.
I know several of you also eat Paleo, this Hearty Paleo Banana Bread is also a favorite of mine.
If you like this recipe, and you can appreciate how much time it saves you, please stop back by and let me know what you thought. Happy baking!
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread
Rich, fudgy, tender Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread that's better than any bakery style bread.
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas, well mashed
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (or Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup gluten-free chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling on top if you wish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9x5" metal loaf pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl mix mashed banana and applesauce.
- Add oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap it on the counter a few times until it's level.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
Natalie
I love chocolate banana bread! Looks delicious and the texture seems incredible - so tender and moist. YUM!
chrystal
Thank you!
Diane
Does this freeze well?
chrystal
Hi Diane,
I would imagine that it would freeze well based on the moisture and texture.
Best,
Chrystal
Robin
Just curious if you could use a different kind of oil? I have everything to make this except that .
chrystal
Hi Robin,
You can use your oil of choice 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Cindy
I used olive oil and it worked well.
chrystal
Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Chrystal
Berniie
What can you use to sub for applesauce?
chrystal
Hi Berniie,
You can substitute another 1/2 cup of mashed banana or pear sauce. Hope that helps!
Best,
Chrystal
Amelia
Hey Chrystal! Thanks or this recipe! It is so moist and full of flavor!!! Will definitely be making this again!
chrystal
Hi Amelia,
Thank you for stopping by and letting me know. I'm so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
Veca
I have made this times for myself. Only problem is that everyone else in the family eats it before I can get any. They don't even care that it is gluten free. This recipe is that good.
chrystal
Hi Veca,
I am so glad everyone loves it! Sorry you haven't been able to keep some for yourself. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Gwynne
This is my favorite banana bread recipe. It comes together so easily, bakes beautifully, and disappears so quickly! I've made it at least half a dozen times since I first found the recipe. To add a little crunch to the bread, I sometimes sprinkle GF cacao nibs on top before baking. Either way, it's perfect! Thanks, Chrystal, for this lovely recipe.
chrystal
Hi Gwynne,
Thank you so much for taking time to leave a comment and let me know that you love this chocolate bread.
Best,
Chrystal
Keri
Is there xanthum gum in your flour blend or should I add it?
chrystal
Hi Keri,
I don't use xanthan in my flour blend as not all recipes need it. It's mostly used in high fat recipes like pie crust and some cookies, etc. You don't have to add it, but it's okay if you use a flour blend that has xanthan in it.
Best,
Chrystal
Stella
When do u remove it from the pan?
After it is completely cooled or before?
chrystal
Hi Stella,
I'd let it cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan, and then you can remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best,
Chrystal
Patty
Outstanding recipe. Delicious, moist, keeps nicely for a week. My hubbie's new favourite. Five stars!
chrystal
Thank you Patty! I'm so glad you both love it.
Best,
Chrystal
Jean Smith
This was absolutely amazing. I don't say this about many GF baked goods. I added some walnuts and a bit of xanthum gum. Since I don't use the prepared GF flour mix, I find that I need some. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe! I cut the loaf into slices and quickly put it in the freezer so I don't eat too many at once. Then, every day, I take out a piece and warm it in the oven; a perfect snack.
chrystal
Awe, Jane. You are very welcome. Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know you loved it. Your sweet comment made my day.
Best,
Chrystal
Christine
Mine is cooling now, cannot wait to taste it! I bake at high altitude and have better luck using a 9-inch square pan than the traditional 9x5 inch loaf pan. A plus is that it only needed to bake for 35 minutes!
chrystal
Thanks for sharing!
Chrystal
Fiona
Wonder whether I can sub for almond flour for gluten free flour? I tried your chocolate muffins recipe (it was so moist and fluffy!) and I have fall in love with your recipes ever since!
chrystal
Hi Fiona,
I have a paleo banana muffin recipe you can make into almond flour banana bread. Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper; set aside. Follow the recipe, but then add it to your loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
Best,
Chrystal
Meg
This was PERFECT. Probably the best gluten free banana bread i've ever made. Thank you!! I made it in a heart shaped caked pan as my 4 year old only agreed to help me if we made a chocolate cake. He can't tell the difference, its that good 😉
chrystal
I'm glad you loved it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Brenda
Do you have to use oil or can you substitute another 1/2 cup of applesauce?
chrystal
I haven't personally used all applesauce, but it should work. The texture might be slightly wet.
Best,
Chrystal
Amanda
ILY, New to gluten free diet and this takes the cake! Love it!
Debbie
This bread is delicious! The best GF bread recipe I have made! Didn’t have applesauce so increased amount of ripe bananas as you suggested. Used canola oil. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes!
Dawn
Hi its just goind in the oven but it's very runny, is that normal.
chrystal
The batter shouldn't be runny.
Jennifer
This is simply the BEST!!! I'm so glad you mentioned that you could use 3 bananas in lieu of the apple sauce, which we did, and we used bobs red mill 1 for 1 GF flour. It came out delicious! My 13 yo daughter actually made it! If it hadn't said "Easy" in the title, I might not have stopped my scroll! ; )
chrystal
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Molly
me and my little brother made this it was so simple and good
chrystal
I am so glad you both liked it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Amanda
I made this recipe into muffins and, since I didn't have applesauce, I used three bananas, as suggested. I used a regular-size muffin tin and filled each section with 1/4 cup of batter and baked them for about 20 minutes. They turned out perfectly and my family and I are really enjoying them. I've tried many of your recipes and none have failed me yet, Thanks for another great one!
chrystal
I am so glad you liked them. Thank you for trusting my recipes in your kitchen.
Best,
Chrystal
louise calleja
Hi what type of flour can be used instead the one you used, as we dont find that type of flour in Malta. Tnks
chrystal
What types of gluten free flours and starches are you able to find?
Best,
Chrystal
Jessica
I used muffins pans instead. Smells so good can’t wait to try it’s cooking now.
Rita
Hello, Can I just substitute Almond flour for the gluten free flour? Will that work? Woud I need to add anything else if I use almond flour? Thank you.
chrystal
Hi Rita,
You can sub almond flour in this recipe (or most recipes as a 1 to to), it works very different. If you'd like a version that uses almond flour, you can make my paleo banana muffins and add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
Best,
Chrystal
Eileen
Hi!
I have made this recipe a few times now and used a doughnut pan then dipped the tops in chocolate ganache and added sprinkles. My friend calls them “crack doughnuts” LOL So good!!!
Katie
Can this be made in a bread maker? If so, would you use the GF setting or the Quick Bread setting?
Lindsay
I haven't tried quick breads like this one in a bread maker, so I'm not sure. If you try it, you want to use the quick bread setting, since the gluten free setting is for yeast breads.
Any
I love the recipe. Not the climbing that needs to be done to get a result.
Wendy Stoltz
Thanks so much!