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Soft & Fluffy Gluten-Free Banana Bread (Beginner Friendly) - Cozy, Reliable, and Delicious

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 medium very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • cup neutral oil (like avocado or light olive oil) or melted butter
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed) or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum; if your blend has none, add 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but lovely)
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  • Prep the pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides.
  • Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with a few small bits for texture.
  • Whisk in wet ingredients: Add eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and slightly glossy.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Bring it together: Add half the dry mixture to the banana bowl. Stir gently, then add the milk and remaining dry mixture. Mix just until no dry pockets remain. Do not overmix.
  • Add mix-ins (optional): Fold in chocolate chips or nuts with a few gentle strokes.
  • Fill the pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For a bakery look, run a thin line of oil down the center with a knife.
  • Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden, the loaf springs back lightly, and a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out to a wire rack. Cool at least 45 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.