Gluten Free Banana Bread

Plant-Based | Gluten-Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 to 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 to 10 minutes

Servings: ~1 loaf, about 8 to 10 slices

This is one of those recipes we make when we have a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter and need something easy. It comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and works for breakfast, snacks, or something to bring along. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and flexible depending on what you have. This has also become one of our kids’ favorite quick breads.

🌱 Why We Love It

• naturally sweet from bananas, applesauce, and honey or maple syrup

• soft and moist without needing oil

• easy to make with pantry ingredients

• works with whole wheat and gluten-free flour

• stores and freezes well for later

🥕 Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup applesauce

• 1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons ground flax meal

• 6 tablespoons water

• 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour like King Arthur

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease with avocado oil.

2. In a small bowl, mix flax meal and water. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken.

3. In a large bowl, mash bananas well.

4. Stir in applesauce, honey or maple syrup, and flax mixture.

5. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.

6. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.

7. Fold in cacao nibs or chocolate chips if using.

8. Pour into loaf pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until set in the center.

10. Let cool before slicing.

🔥 Flavor Boost Tips

• add cinnamon if you want a warmer flavor

• use extra-ripe bananas for more natural sweetness

• cacao nibs keep it less sweet, chocolate chips make it sweeter

📝 Recipe Notes

• do not overmix or it can get dense

• gluten-free flour may need a few extra minutes depending on brand

• if browning too fast, loosely cover with foil

👶 Kid-Friendly Tips

• mash bananas very smooth for a consistent texture

• mini chocolate chips blend in better if texture matters

• cut into small squares for easy snacks

• works well warmed slightly for a softer bite

🧊 Meal Prep Tips

• freeze sliced with parchment between pieces or bake as muffins for easy breakfasts & snacks. 

• reheat quickly for about 15 seconds in the microwave or let thaw on the counter or in the fridge.

❤️ Final Note

This is one of those simple recipes that just fits into real life. Nothing fancy, just something you can make, slice, and have ready when you need it.

Recommended Product

We use King Arthur Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour for almost all of our gluten-free baking. It’s been the most consistent option for quick breads, muffins, and everyday recipes, especially when you need something that just works without adjusting the whole recipe.

🔗 https://amzn.to/3LScieZ

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