Gluten Free Banana Bread
Banana bread, the beloved classic, has a remarkable way of filling your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that takes you back to fond memories of home. It’s the promise of a moist, flavorful bite, a slice of simple joy. The very thought of Banana Bread stirs up a sense of nostalgia and a longing for cozy mornings and family gatherings. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques – just a few mixing bowls, some basic kitchen tools, and those ripe bananas forgotten in your fruit bowl.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE BANANA BREAD
- Timeless Comfort: Banana bread is the epitome of comfort food. Its soft crumb, intense banana flavor and just the right amount of sweetness make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack any time of day.
- Perfect Use for Overripe Bananas: It’s the best way to rescue those overly ripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. Those spotted bananas are the key to the bread’s rich flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. A few mixing bowls, basic kitchen tools, and some ripe bananas are all you need.
- Endless Variations: While we’ll explore the classic recipe, you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting.
- Freeze for Later: It’s incredibly freezer-friendly. Make an extra loaf, slice it, and freeze the portions for later. Pop a slice in the toaster for a quick, warm, and satisfying treat.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE BANANA BREAD
- Gluten-free, all-purpose baking flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Baking soda
- Sugar
- Medium ripe bananas
- Butter, at room temperature
- Eggs
- Kosher salt
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: Chopped walnuts
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE BANANA BREAD
- Measuring Cups/Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- 9×5 Loaf Pan
- Oven
HOW TO MAKE BANANA BREAD
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and room-temperature butter. Mix for about 3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas.
- Gradually add all the dry ingredients – gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- If desired, fold in the optional chopped walnuts.
- Transfer the prepared batter to the greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy!
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to Store and Reheat Banana Bread?
To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For long-term storage, freeze slices in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or in the toaster for that warm, just-baked goodness.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins of your choice during step 6 of the instructions for an extra burst of flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of gluten-free all-purpose baking flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour if you don’t require a gluten-free option. It will give your banana bread a hearty, nutty flavor.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Stick a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready. This usually takes about 55-65 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven.
Can I make a cream cheese frosting for the banana bread?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting is a delightful addition. You can prepare it by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread it over your cooled banana bread for a delicious twist.
Gluten Free Banana Bread
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- mixing bowls
- 9×5 loaf pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 8 tbsp butter at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and room-temperature butter. Mix for about 3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas.
- Gradually add all the dry ingredients – gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- If desired, fold in the optional chopped walnuts.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy!
There you have it, a warm, heartfelt journey into the world of classic homemade banana bread. This timeless treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in need of a comforting breakfast, a delicious brunch, or a quick snack, banana bread has your back. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to rescue those overripe bananas from the fruit bowl. With endless variations and the option to customize it to your taste, you’ll find it hard to resist making a loaf. The delightful flavors, ease of preparation, and endless opportunities to make it your own make this banana bread recipe a true winner.