By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On August 16, 2023

This Gluten-Free Banana Bread is easy to mix up and only takes one bowl to make. Use your overripe bananas to make this quick and simple gluten-free banana bread recipe. Optional chocolate chips take this gluten-free banana bread recipe to the next level, or you can add your own favorite mix-ins. 

If you love banana bread, you might also like some of my gluten-free banana recipes. Try this gluten-free chocolate banana bread, gluten-free banana muffins, paleo banana bread, gluten-free coconut pecan banana bread, and gluten-free banana cake. If you are a fan of blueberries, you'll want to make my gluten-free blueberry banana muffins. 

You must try this pastry course for gluten-free Japanese desserts. You'll learn how to make gluten-free sponge cakes.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Gluten-Free Banana bread is a classic yet simple gluten-free quick bread. With only a few basic ingredients that most people have in their kitchen, you can bake up this banana bread in less than an hour.

The combination of textures and flavors in this recipe produces a wonderful and perfectly balanced loaf of GF banana bread. It's quick, simple, and freezes well. This is the best gluten-free banana bread recipe, in my opinion!

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-free Banana Bread

Basic ingredients - This recipe uses basic ingredients you have in your pantry already.

Quick to make - Every time I make it, I wonder why I don't make it more often.

Great texture and flavor - This gluten-free banana bread has a great texture and flavor.

Ingredients In Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Bananas- For this recipe, you need 3 large bananas that are overripe.  For the best banana bread, I  like to use bananas that are at least halfway brown on the outside. 

Oil - For moisture, you can use either melted butter or the oil of your choice. Vegetable, canola, avocado, and coconut oil (melted) all work well. 

Yogurt - For additional moisture without added fat, plain yogurt is added. You need those probiotics in your diet. You have options with this ingredient too. Use regular or dairy-free yogurt, Greek or not. You can also use applesauce, another fruit puree, or more oil. We don't use almond milk in this recipe.

Sugar - regular granulated sugar gives the best texture and the perfect amount of sweetness (you can also add coconut sugar instead of regular granulated sugar). 

Eggs - Eggs hold everything together and aid in helping this quick bread rise and brown up nicely. 

Vanilla Extract - a good quality, gluten-free vanilla extract adds a deep, warm flavor to banana bread. 

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour - You can use your favorite GF flour blend. I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 baking blend. 

Baking Powder and Baking Soda - these are the workhorses of most quick breads. They replace yeast as a leavener and help the bread to rise in the oven. 

Salt - a pinch of salt in baked goods enhances the sweetness. 

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-free Banana Bread

Whisk - I like this balloon whisk.

Baking bread loaves - These baking bread loaves are 9.5 x 5 inches.

Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls come in handy.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-free Banana Bread, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How To Make Gluten-free Banana Bread

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix mashed banana, oil, yogurt (or apple sauce, or additional oil or butter), sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined.
3. If desired, fold in dark chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap it on the counter a few times until it's level.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before slicing.

You can use milk instead of yogurt in this GF banana bread recipe. Just note that the batter will be slightly runnier, but don't worry. It will still turn out.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in Gluten-free Banana Bread, please see the complete recipe below.

Why You Will Love This Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

• It's perfectly moist
• It's packed with banana flavor!
• It's sweet enough (but not too sweet)
• It's heavenly satisfying 
• It's so easy to make you'll want to make it at least once a week

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-free Banana Bread

Don't overmix the batter -Avoid overmixing the batter - this results in an unpleasant toughness. If gluten-free banana bread doesn't taste right, it's often because of its texture

Use enough bananas - Gluten-free banana bread gets its moistness from mashed bananas, so make sure you put enough bananas

Use oil - It also gets additional moisture from oil (so don't forget to add it!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Substitutions Can I Make With This Gluten-Free Banana Bread?

Dairy-free, Gluten-Free Banana Bread 

If you need a dairy-free option for this banana bread, you can either replace the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt, or you can use applesauce.

GF Banana Bread With Mix-ins

There are several ingredients you can add to your gluten-free banana bread recipe to add more texture or flavor. The following is a list of my favorite add-ins.

½ cup chopped nuts - A lot of bakers love to add some chopped nuts to their banana bread. Some favorites include walnuts and pecans. Macadamia nuts are also a great option and have a wonderful crunch to them. Make sure the nuts are fresh and not rancid before you add them. To add nuts to your gluten-free banana bread, stir them in with a spoon, or fold them in so as not to mix the batter too much.

½ cup shredded coconut - Like nuts, coconut adds a nice flavor and texture to banana bread. You can use unsweetened coconut, sweetened coconut, or toasted coconut in banana bread. Make sure to fold the coconut into the banana bread batter, not to mix it too much. If you like coconut, you're going to love this coconut pecan banana bread.

½ cup chocolate chips - We love adding chocolate chips to our gluten-free banana bread, but we understand that not everyone does. You can leave them out. If you do add them, make sure to spoon-mix them in or fold them into the batter.

1 teaspoon cinnamon - A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way! We love adding cinnamon to quick breads, like banana bread. This gluten-free banana bread only needs a little cinnamon, but you can add as much as you like.

Egg-free, Gluten-free Banana Bread

You can add a flax egg or an egg replacer instead of eggs. Just note that the texture of your GF banana bread will be softer. You can also leave the egg out. Just make sure that when you are measuring your flour, you spoon it into the measuring cup and then level it. Some have had success with coconut flour. You would need to experiment with the coconut flour quantities.

Can I Use Baking Powder Instead Of Baking Soda?

Yes! It's not a 1 to 1, but if you're in a pinch, you can use baking powder to help your 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).

Can I Use Almond Flour To Make Gluten-free Banana Bread?

Not in this recipe, but you can use almond flour to make paleo banana muffins instead!

Can I Make Gluten-free Banana Bread With Plain Greek Yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works just perfectly with this recipe!

How Do You Know When Your Banana Bread Is Done?

I always recommend that you start testing your GF banana bread for doneness about 5-7 minutes before the recipe calls for it.

It will continue to bake after you pull it out of the oven, but you want to ensure the center is done.

Oven temperatures may vary, and this can affect 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.

Why is my gluten-free banana bread gummy?

To make soft and tender gluten-free banana bread, try to stir your wet ingredients gently into the dry ones. Overmixing can develop tough and gummy banana bread. 

Why is my gluten-free banana bread rubbery?

Overmixing the ingredients or adding too much xanthan gum can make a rubbery GF banana bread. 

How do you make gluten-free bread moister?

Gluten-free flours are denser, which can lead to baked goods that are dry. To add moisture to gluten-free bread, you can use more butter, oil, or brown sugar instead of white sugar.

How Do I Store Gluten-free Banana Bread?

When it's baked, store your gluten-free bread in a breadbox and make sure it has enough empty space around it so the air can circulate. A closed breadbox retains moisture inside the box so the bread doesn't dry out, but you don't want to hold it so close to the bread to make it soggy, either!

Can I Make This Gluten-Free Banana Bread Vegan?

Yes, you can. Use yogurt and egg replacements.

What Does Vinegar Do In Gluten-free Bread?

Adding vinegar to any gluten-free recipe with yeast helps tenderize the dough. This is because yeast grows better in acidic conditions, which gives the best possible rise. 

What Happens When You Forget To Put In Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an important leavening agent in recipes. If you forget it, your gluten-free banana bread will not rise.

It'll still taste good, but it will be hard and dense. If you leave the baking soda out of this gluten-free banana bread, consider making it into Gluten-Free French Toast.

How Long Should Gluten-free Banana Bread Cool?

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for at least ten minutes. Remember, most cakes, cupcakes, and quick breads continue to cook some after being removed from the oven.

Allowing it time to cool will help it set up and help keep it from falling apart in a steamy mess when you remove it from the pan.

Can I Freeze Gluten-free Banana Bread? 

This bread will freeze very well. To freeze, leave the bread whole and unsliced. Wrap well with aluminum foil, then pop it into a Ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible (without squishing the bread, of course!).

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Mixes

Try one of these if you're looking for a shortcut!

• King Arthur Gluten-Free Banana Bread Mix
• Simple Mills Banana Muffin & Bread Mix
• Other Foods Gluten-Free Banana Bread Mix
• GoNanas Original Banana Bread Mix
• XO Baking Gourmet Banana Bread Mix

More Gluten-Free Quick Breads

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread - Gluten-Free Pumpkin bread is great any time of the year! This easy, quick, gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe uses only a handful of ingredients and is tender and delightfully flavorful.

Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread - Only one zucchini and a few other ingredients are needed before this stunning gluten-free zucchini bread recipe is baked in your oven.

Gluten-Free Lemon Bread - Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Bread that's tender, bursting with lemon, and the perfect quick bread for lemon lovers. You are going to love this gluten-free lemon bread recipe.

Gluten-Free Cornbread - Crumbly, sweet, and filling - Gluten-Free Cornbread is sure to be a staple in your gluten-free kitchen. This gluten-free cornbread recipe is simple, uses minimal ingredients, and serves as a fantastic side to soups, stews, and BBQ.

Paleo Pumpkin Bread - This tender, flavorful paleo pumpkin bread is simple to make, and it only uses a handful of ingredients. The only question is, do you like to add chocolate chips to your almond flour pumpkin bread?

Interested in another recipe that uses bananas? Try My Gluten-Free Kitchen's Gluten-free, Dairy-free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. For a paleo version, you might like Bakerita's Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread. Banana Pancakes are also a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas. 

Continue to Content

Yield: 1 loaf

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Print

Tender Gluten-Free Banana Bread that's easy to mix up and only takes one-bowl to make. Use your overripe bananas to bake up this quick and simple gluten-free banana bread recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 3 large over ripe bananas, mashed (1 ¼ cups - 1 ½ cup worth)
• ¼ cup oil of choice, or melted and cooled butter
• ¼ cup dairy-free plain yogurt (or plain yogurt, or applesauce, or ¼ cup more oil or butter)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (or Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• optional: ½ cup 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9X5 metal loaf pan; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl mix mashed banana, oil, yogurt (or additional oil or butter), sugar, eggs, and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined.
4. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap it on the counter a few times until it's level.
6. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before slicing.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Notes

• Overripe bananas work best in this gluten free banana bread recipe.
• I like the yogurt in this gf banana bread recipe. If you don't want to use yogurt or you don't have any you can add ¼ cup more of oil or melted and cooled butter.
• 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.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
• 
  OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
• 
  Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips, 10 oz
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Baking Powder, 14 Ounce (Pack of 1)
• 
  Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle with Gift Box
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 5 Pound
• 
  Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 9.5 x 5 Inch, Set of 2, Gray

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 loaf
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 138mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 3g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.