An easy family recipe that yields a perfect banana bread every time! It's light, moist, soft & fluffy + the best flavor! Recipe works well matter what your dietary preferences-- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Nut-Free-- you choose! Chocolate Chip and Walnut topping optional.
The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread
And easy family recipe for the best gluten-free banana bread!
Update November 2020: Yes, we are still making banana bread and loving it!
And now I’ve added a cooking video to this page so you can see how easy it is to whip up!
If you’re new to this website, there is a printable recipe at the bottom of every recipe page.
Hope you love it!
Update April 2020: In the last few weeks while staying home, sooooo many have been making this banana bread and multiple times! So we finally joined the party and made some today!
It’s one of the easiest breads ever and is so adaptable to tastes and dietary needs/ preferences, but it is yummy each and every time!
A perfect soft & fluffy texture and great flavor!
Hope you love it too!
Original post…
No matter what the season, you can’t go wrong with a classic banana bread!
Besides at the end of the week, we always seem to have some ripe bananas in the house so freshly baked bread is the perfect use for them.
This recipe is from my mom and it is one of those super simple recipes that adapts so well to dietary needs and preferences.
The original recipe was obviously not gluten-free, so with this gluten-free version we used GF Jules All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour. (Affiliate link), which has been our go to gluten-free flour for years as it is easy to substitute 1 for 1 in non-gf recipes. And we added some baking powder and reduced the baking soda so that the loaf was still light and fluffy.
As an aside, you may have noticed that we are affiliate for GFJules. To learn more about why we love GFJules flour and why we have used it for 10 years, click here.
Bonus: at the bottom of that post is a one-time use affiliate Discount Code.
And importantly, purchasing through an affiliate link does not change your cost at all. It generates a small percentage of the sale for me, and purchasing through an affiliate link helps me fund this website and all the recipes I share, so thank you!
Back to the Gluten-Free Banana Bread…
Free-from Friends...
We’ve also made it with dairy-free butter and flax egg making it vegan.
And you can omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy.
No matter how you make it, this bread has a perfect texture — moist (not dry or crumbly), velvety smooth and light and fluffy, just the right amount of sweetness and is always a hit!
All you need… 8-10 ingredients all found in your pantry:
gluten-free all purpose flour
baking soda
baking powder
salt
egg or flax egg
bananas
butter
sugar
chocolate chips and or walnuts according to tastes.
It is one of the easiest recipes ever!
First you mix the bananas, sugar (option to use less sugar), egg or flax egg and butter.
Separately you mix the flour, baking soda and salt.
Then add dry ingredients to the wet.
Then you add in an optional add-ins… chopped walnuts and chips if using.
Mix them in well and the batter will be smooth and gorgeous looking!
That is the only debate we have in our house is whether or not it should have chocolate chip and walnuts on top?
My husband and kids are purists and love just a good ol’ classic banana bread. I tend to like chips and extra walnuts on top. Which would you choose?
One final tip: when making a loaf bread with toppings I like to line the loaf pan with parchment paper rather than grease and flour the pan.
First, it is so much easier to lift the parchment and the baked bread right out of the loaf pan and not worry about losing any toppings.
And second it is so much easier to clean, which is a huge win!
No matter how you make it– egg/ flax egg, dairy-free or real butter, chips/ no chips, walnuts/ no walnuts…Hope you love it as much as we do!
An easy family recipe that yields a perfect banana bread no matter your dietary preference or need --- Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Nut -Free-- you choose! Chocolate Chip and Walnut Topping optional.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time50 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack, Breads and Muffins
1 1/2cupsGluten-Free Flour with xanthum gumwe used GF Jules (affiliate link)
1/2teaspoonbaking soda
1/2teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1egg beaten OR 1 flax eggsee directions below
1cupsugarcan cut back to 3/4 cup for a less sweet bread
4tablespoonsbutter or dairy free buttermelted
1 1/4cupmashed bananasapproximately 3 bananas
1/2cup- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or mini chocolate chipsaccording to preference and how chocolatey you want the bread + some or use extra for topping
1/2cupchopped walnutsoptional but recommended + some extra for topping
Instructions
If using flax egg, make the flax egg
Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoon water in a small bowl and stir to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
And line a 10 in loaf pan with parchment paper OR grease and flour. I recently started using parchment paper because it is easier to lift out the bread if topping with chips and/or walnuts and easier to clean.
Mix batter
In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and combine with a pastry cutter or fork. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add egg or flax egg, sugar, butter and bananas and mix to combine and smooth.
Add dry ingredients and wet ingredients and mix to combine.
Stir in chips and nuts if using.
Using a large spoon scoop or pour batter into prepared bread pan and spread evenly. Top with additional chocolate chips and walnuts if desired.
Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean. Tip: check at 35 - 40 minutes and if top is starting to brown, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until center done.
51 thoughts on “The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread”
Absolutely loved this recipe! I made mine in muffin tins and reduced time to 35 minutes in the oven. Complete perfection – brown on top and moist inside. Such a fluffy recipe, my non-gf friends said you’d never know it was gluten free!
I just wanted to say that this was my first attempt at making banana bread and it turned out perfect! I put coconut sugar and two bananas (I have to go grocery shopping) and I cannot stop eating it! Thank you so much for all the wonderful recipes! You are such an inspiration! ❤️
Love this recipe so much! Was looking for the perfect banana bread recipe for a long time and finally found it! It’s really perfect and mostly only lasts us for a day!??
We made the vegan variation of this bread and it was some of the best banana bread we’ve ever made! The whole family enjoyed and the men of the house had no clue it was gluten-free or vegan ;). Will definitely be making this again and again.
I had a few bananas that were a little past their prime so I whipped up this recipe on a whim. It was smelled delicious so of course I had to dive in while it was still steaming hot to try a bite. It was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
My daughter can’t disagree with the name of this banana bread! The first banana bread she has ever tried and liked! A new favorite in our house! Making our 2nd batch right now 🙂 Thanks for the delicious recipe!
I made this banana bread for brunch today & my two teenagers inhaled it! I used coconut oil in place of butter & pecans instead of walnuts. It was so delicious! I treated myself to another slice for dessert today 🙂
Thank you so much for everything you do! My youngest needs to follow a gluten-free lactose-free diet and he absolutely loves this recipe! This was eaten up in less than 24 hours of baking! I will definitely be making this for a third time today and will be working through your other tasty recipes! Thank you so much! The Lunchbox Lady x
Made this today on a rainy Monday and it could not have brought our mood up any more. The GF Jules flour is light and fluffy which really made the bread out of this world. So glad we tried it!
Made this banana bread and it was delicious! I do not have celiacs but my boyfriend does and I can say you would not be able to tell that it is gluten free. We used GFJules flour and it did not disappoint. As sweet lovers, we put chocolate chips in the batter which added a little extra yum factor. Would make again in a heart beat!
Hi this looks delicious and I am all about the walnuts and chocolate chips!
I am following a program though for managing a healthy weight and I am wondering if it would be possible to get the breakdown on calories, fat and sugar per slice?
I finally made this, and it’s the best gluten free banana bread I’ve made thus far! Thank you! And I was right. Chocolate chips in banana breads don’t do it for me. Next time, raisins and walnuts. Thank you for your wonderful recipes. It’s so nice to have things actually come out well.
I want you to know that the last piece is sitting on my counter, and I made it 2 weeks ago. It is still delicious! It never got soggy like other banana breads can. I am never making another banana bread recipe! Perfection! Thank you.
This really is the best gf banana bread ever! I have made it so many times in all variations. Dairy free butter, real butter, no nuts, egg substitute, etc. It always comes out great and is a hit even with non-gf people. Love it!
Hi! My name is Karen, and I’m the mom in our Healthy Gluten-Free Family. My posts and pictures here and on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter are labors of love that allow me to share a very personal journey with you, one our family has taken together — learning, experimenting and sharing how to raise a healthy happy gluten-free family. Read more ...
Absolutely loved this recipe! I made mine in muffin tins and reduced time to 35 minutes in the oven. Complete perfection – brown on top and moist inside. Such a fluffy recipe, my non-gf friends said you’d never know it was gluten free!
Aw, this makes me so happy! So happy everyone — especially your non gf friends!– loved them! Thanks for sharing!
I just wanted to say that this was my first attempt at making banana bread and it turned out perfect! I put coconut sugar and two bananas (I have to go grocery shopping) and I cannot stop eating it! Thank you so much for all the wonderful recipes! You are such an inspiration! ❤️
Aw, so happy it worked out so well! And thank you for all your support! 🙂
Love this recipe so much! Was looking for the perfect banana bread recipe for a long time and finally found it! It’s really perfect and mostly only lasts us for a day!??
Thank you so much! So happy you love it as much as we do! It doesn’t last long here either — thank goodness it is easy to whip another one up!
The best banana bread recipe I’ve ever used! I made banana muffins — super moist and delicious! My mom and I each had three, they were that good.
Thank you! Sooooo happy you and your mom loved them so much! Thanks for sharing!
Could you tell me the ratio of xanthum gum? I have a gf all purpose flour without xanthum gum.
Great question! I would use 1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum if your flour doesn’t already have it.
I just baked this delicious bread!!! One of my favs of all of your incredible recipes. Thank you!
Thanks so much Ruthy! This is a fan favorite here too! 🙂
Made this today and it was super easy & delicious!!
Yay! Happy you love it too!
We made the vegan variation of this bread and it was some of the best banana bread we’ve ever made! The whole family enjoyed and the men of the house had no clue it was gluten-free or vegan ;). Will definitely be making this again and again.
Great! Thank you! So happy you allll loved it! 🙂
I had a few bananas that were a little past their prime so I whipped up this recipe on a whim. It was smelled delicious so of course I had to dive in while it was still steaming hot to try a bite. It was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
I meant to leave five stars!!!!
Thank you!
You’re welcome! So happy you love it!
My daughter can’t disagree with the name of this banana bread! The first banana bread she has ever tried and liked! A new favorite in our house! Making our 2nd batch right now 🙂 Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Aw, thank you!! So happy you love it so much!
Absolutely wonderful banana bread recipe! I highly recommend! And add the walnuts if you can. Delicious!
So happy you love it Kris! And I love the crunch of the walnuts too!
I made this banana bread for brunch today & my two teenagers inhaled it! I used coconut oil in place of butter & pecans instead of walnuts. It was so delicious! I treated myself to another slice for dessert today 🙂
Yay! So happy you all loved it! Love your adaptations! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much for everything you do! My youngest needs to follow a gluten-free lactose-free diet and he absolutely loves this recipe! This was eaten up in less than 24 hours of baking! I will definitely be making this for a third time today and will be working through your other tasty recipes! Thank you so much! The Lunchbox Lady x
Thank you so much Caroline! I really appreciate it! And happy your family loves this bread as much as we do!
Made this today on a rainy Monday and it could not have brought our mood up any more. The GF Jules flour is light and fluffy which really made the bread out of this world. So glad we tried it!
Thank you! Happy you loved the bread and the flour!
Thank you! So happy you loved the bread and the flour!
Made this banana bread and it was delicious! I do not have celiacs but my boyfriend does and I can say you would not be able to tell that it is gluten free. We used GFJules flour and it did not disappoint. As sweet lovers, we put chocolate chips in the batter which added a little extra yum factor. Would make again in a heart beat!
Aw, you just made my day! Our goal is to share recipes that everyone will love! And this banana bread is definitely a favorite!
Hi this looks delicious and I am all about the walnuts and chocolate chips!
I am following a program though for managing a healthy weight and I am wondering if it would be possible to get the breakdown on calories, fat and sugar per slice?
Thankyou for all the photos!
Great question! At this point, I don’t have nutritional information for our recipes.
My mother always put raisins in her banana breads. Chocolae chips seem like a travesty to me. Lol! Words you would never hear me say!
My mother put raisins in so many breads too! But I’m always here for chips!
Hi. At this time I don’t provide nutritional information.
Easy recipe!
The recipe calls for 3 bananas, I used 2 large bananas. It turned out great!
Thanks for the recipe!
~April
Happy you loved it! Thank you!
I finally made this, and it’s the best gluten free banana bread I’ve made thus far! Thank you! And I was right. Chocolate chips in banana breads don’t do it for me. Next time, raisins and walnuts. Thank you for your wonderful recipes. It’s so nice to have things actually come out well.
I want you to know that the last piece is sitting on my counter, and I made it 2 weeks ago. It is still delicious! It never got soggy like other banana breads can. I am never making another banana bread recipe! Perfection! Thank you.
Aw, love that you love it as much as we do! I love that it never gets soggy too! Thank you!!
The Best!!!
I make it weekly. No one knows it’s Gluten Free!! I love it!!
You just made my day! So happy you love it as much as we do! Thank you!
This really is the best gf banana bread ever! I have made it so many times in all variations. Dairy free butter, real butter, no nuts, egg substitute, etc. It always comes out great and is a hit even with non-gf people. Love it!
Thank you!! So happy you love it as much as we do!
Amazing! After trying so many recipes over the last 5 years, I have finally found one to park with!! So thrilled, thanks for sharing!
Happy you love it! Thank you!!
This is the best GF banana bread I’ve made – thank you so much for sharing the recipe! Great texture and phenomenal flavor. YUM!
So happy you love it! Thank you!