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Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Bread Recipes

Gluten Free Banana Bread (With Dairy Free Option)

Published: Sep 12, 2023 · Modified: Feb 20, 2025 by Kim · This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

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This gluten free banana bread is lightly spiced and perfectly moist. It's so quick and easy to make and can easily be made dairy free!

gluten free banana bread sliced on platter

Gluten Free Banana Bread was originally posted on 01/15/2020 and has been updated with new pictures, tips and substitutions, and a new video.

Some of the items linked in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission.

I've never been much of a banana bread person, but this bread has changed my mind forever. The banana breads I've had in the past have all been very dense and almost rubbery. I know that sounds weird to call bread rubbery, but that's the exact word I would use to describe it. But this bread is perfectly moist without being overly dense and is in no way "rubbery." Haha!

A reader recently gave me a great idea and I have to thank her for it, so Debbie, if you're reading this, thank you for giving me the wonderful idea to use my gluten free pumpkin bread as a starting point for this banana bread! It came out more amazing than I even imagined it would.

the ingredients needed to make gluten free banana bread (with dairy free option)

ingredients for banana bread measured out and labeled.
  • Kim's all purpose gluten free flour blend--to make this recipe dairy free, simply use a dairy-free milk powder, such as soy milk powder or, my favorite, coconut milk powder, in place of the non-fat dry milk powder.
  • Bananas--I don't use overly ripe bananas like most people. I prefer less ripe bananas for my banana bread. Less ripe bananas means less mushy banana bread.
  • Nutmeg and cinnamon--just a touch offers a backdrop of spice without it being overwhelming.
  • Coconut oil--you can sub this with any oil, even olive oil for a fruity taste. I really like the coconut vibes from the coconut oil. They're very faint, but they go well with the banana.

Let's Make banana bread

Quick breads made gluten free are SO easy!! One of the great things about baking gluten free is that many baked goods that don't require much gluten development are often better than their gluten-filled counterparts. Cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, quick breads--they're pretty easy to convert to gluten free, as long as you have a great gf flour blend.

  1. Whisk all the dry ingredients with the sugar in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center and add the wet ingredients (melted coconut oil, eggs, water, and mashed bananas). Stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  4. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
sliced banana bread on platter with banana in the background

banana bread FAQs

What size loaf pan is best?

A standard 8 ½ by 4 ½-inch loaf pan works just fine. I think if you go any bigger than that (9 by 5-inch for example) you'll need to double the recipe (which can be done by the way) with a little batter leftover, which can be baked into muffins.

Can I make banana muffins instead of bread?

Absolutely! Most quick breads can be made into muffins as well. Just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins spring back when touched (or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean).

Should I use really ripe bananas?

I might catch flack for this, but I think less ripe bananas actually work better in banana bread! When bananas are overripe, they are so much more liquidy and super sweet and I'm pretty sure that's why most banana breads I've had are mushy.

Tips and Substitutions for banana bread (including dairy free)

  • For dairy free, use coconut milk powder (affiliate link) in place of the nonfat dry milk powder within the flour blend (or use a store bought dairy free gf flour blend). Everything else is naturally dairy free in the recipe.
  • For the best texture, use bananas that aren't overly ripe. I know that goes against everyone else's mindset, but it truly makes a difference when the bananas aren't completely mushy. Try it and you'll see what I mean.
  • Don't want to use melted coconut oil? No problem. Use any neutral oil you'd like.
  • Add-ins. For textural differences, as well as extra flavor, feel free to add toasted chopped walnuts or pecans, a handful or two of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, or even a few handfuls of blueberries. BYOC (be your own chef!).

more gluten free quick breads to enjoy

  • Gluten Free Dairy Free Zucchini Bread
  • Gluten Free Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins
  • Gluten Free Lemon Loaf Cake
  • gluten free cinnamon swirl bread
  • The BEST Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
  • Gluten Free Pineapple Coconut Muffins
  • Gluten Free Apple Crumb Muffins
  • Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
slice of gluten free banana bread slathered with butter and bite taken out of

Toss the ordinary banana bread out the window and try this gluten free banana bread instead for a change of pace you're sure to love!!

gluten free banana bread sliced on platter

The BEST Gluten Free Banana Bread

Kim
This gluten free banana bread is lightly spiced and perfectly moist. It's so quick and easy to make and is sure to become your favorite!
4.94 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course bread, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ cups plus 2 tablespoon (227g) Kim's all purpose gluten free flour blend (a store bought blend may be substituted, but hasn't been tested)
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup (about 2-3) bananas, coarsely mashed (not overly ripe)
  • ½ cup (120ml) coconut oil, melted (substitute avocado oil, canola or vegetable oil)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon (92ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150-240g) chopped toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans), semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, or fresh blueberries all optional
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare an 8½ by 4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and make a parchment paper sling (for easy removal). Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted coconut oil, bananas, eggs, water, and vanilla and stir to combine.
  • Pour into a greased 8½ by 4½-inch loaf pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then remove from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve.

Notes

Adjust baking time as necessary for size of loaf pan.  If using a 12 by 4-inch loaf pan, begin checking bread at 50 minutes.  To bake in a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan, you'll need to double the recipe, but the batter won't all fit in the pan so you can bake the rest of the batter into muffins.
To make muffins, pour batter into cupcake liners in muffin pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.  
Store banana bread or muffins in airtight container on counter for a few days or freeze by slicing pieces and placing on parchment-lined baking sheet (or placing muffins on baking sheet), freezing until solid, and storing in freezer ziptop bag.  Whole, unsliced loaf can be frozen solid by wrapping in plastic wrap.  Thaw, still wrapped, at room temperature.
Keyword banana, bread, dairy free, Gluten Free
Tried this recipe?Tag @letthemeatglutenfreecake on Instagram so we can see!

More Gluten Free Bread Recipes

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    Sourdough English Muffins Recipe (Gluten Free)
  • overhead shot of loaf of sourdough on round wire rack.
    Same Day Gluten Free Sourdough
  • two cheese scones stacked one on top of the other.
    Gluten Free Cheese Scones
  • sliced cinnamon swirl quick bread with seafoam green towel alongside.
    Gluten Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Comments

  1. Sue Beck says

    June 10, 2025 at 2:16 pm

    This is my family's new favorite gluten free banana bread recipe (and I've been making different versions for 10 years). The only change I make to the recipe is to use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative (Califia Farms, found at Sprouts) instead of the water. Yum! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Jenna says

    June 10, 2025 at 9:30 am

    Can mini loaves be done with this?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      June 19, 2025 at 8:16 am

      Yes, you'll need to adjust the baking time though. There are instructions for making muffins so if your mini loaves are around muffin sized, use those instructions.

      Reply
  3. Lori Huhn says

    November 01, 2024 at 6:13 pm

    I didn't have your flour blend so I used bobs red mill 1 to 1 gluten free flour. Made it into muffins. Turned out fantastic

    Reply
    • Kim says

      November 09, 2024 at 9:54 am

      Awesome!

      Reply
    • Nicole says

      May 10, 2025 at 7:35 pm

      Idk how you got the recipe to cook correctly. My muffins were sunken in

      Reply
  4. Maria says

    June 14, 2024 at 1:29 am

    Hi Kim, I am traveling and I made up the bread flour blend, I was wondering if I could use this as a substitute for the all-purpose blend in this banana bread recipe?M

    Reply
    • Kim says

      June 15, 2024 at 10:15 am

      You could try. I haven't tried it, but it may not be quite as soft.

      Reply
      • Maria says

        June 28, 2024 at 11:46 pm

        Best Gluten-Free muffins I have had. When I get home I will try the all-purpose flour to compare. But super happy. Thank Kim

      • Rhine says

        February 03, 2025 at 1:47 pm

        Best glutose free banana bread ever made. I substitute sugar with dates and some times without sugar, so that can enjoy with additional jam or honey.
        Been making it with multiple times with nuts and berries combination, in loaf and muffin, turn out always rise and soft. Thank you so much Kim!

  5. Cheryl L Towne says

    October 08, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    I had trouble with this recipe first time out. I made muffins. They rose and then collapsed in the cups. The middle was dense and leathery. The sides were terrific so I tried again. Checked the oven temperature and it was off by 10 degres: compensated for that. I used bananas that were barely ripe, and weighted out the flour mix instead of using cupfuls. The muffins rose and rose and stayed. They were moist and stayed fresh for the 4 days they lasted. Only problem: LOL I still don't care for banana bread.

    Reply
  6. Elaine says

    June 23, 2023 at 2:42 am

    OMG!!! This was delicious, fluffy, and super moist! Finally I can have banana bread that’s GF. I didn’t have coconut oil and used olive oil instead and cut sugar to 1 cup and it turned out great! Thank you~!

    Reply
  7. Amy Wells says

    May 26, 2023 at 4:35 pm

    I have a question please? I am traveling in my motorhome and made up my all purpose flour but did not make up the bread flour. Could I use the all purpose for this banana bread?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      May 28, 2023 at 8:12 am

      Yes, actually this recipe uses my all purpose flour blend so you're all set!

      Reply
  8. Jen Rice says

    May 01, 2023 at 4:20 pm

    Just made this in a 6 mini loaf pan, added chopped almonds and dark chocolate chips. Adjusted bake time to 35 min (when the toothpicks came out clean). Holy hell is it delicious! Tops crisped up wonderfully, absolutely pleased, will definitely be making this again.

    Reply
  9. Carolyn Griffith says

    February 07, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    This gluten free banana bread was excellent. I only used 1 cup of sugar and that was plenty. I used grape seed oil and added walnuts. It was very moist. I used 2 smaller loaf pans because one regular one was too small for all the batter. Will definitely make again.

    Reply
  10. Mikaela Ens says

    November 01, 2022 at 11:07 pm

    Incredible. I made your artisan bread recipe multiple times now and decided to venture into the others and this bread was incredible. I only had one egg so I did 1/4 cup applesauce to substitute for the other and it worked great! Delicious, whole family loved them and they aren’t even GF!

    Reply
  11. Joanie says

    January 16, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    This is absolutely the best banana bread recipe I have tried!! It has amazing flavor. I wanted to add chocolate chips because I love chocolate chip banana bread of course I love chocolate chip anything lol but the chocolate chips sink to the bottom and melted in the bottom of the pan… any suggestions??

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 22, 2022 at 6:23 am

      Thanks so much, Joanie!! Next time, coat the chocolate chips with a little bit of the flour from the recipe (all you need is a tablespoon or two) before adding them to the batter. That should help suspend them in the bread when baked 😊

      Reply
  12. kathy schild says

    July 24, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Could this recipe be used to make zucchini bread in exchange for the bananas?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      July 26, 2021 at 12:52 pm

      Yes! You read my mind as my gluten free zucchini bread will be posted tomorrow 🙂

      Reply
      • kathy schild says

        July 27, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Awesome! Thanks for the zucchini bread recipe

  13. Michelle says

    February 09, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    Not sure what happened, but mine is currently spilling over the sides of the pan while baking. 😬 It smells great, and I’ll wait to see what the end result is before rating. I used a standard loaf pan. Fingers crossed.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      February 10, 2021 at 6:50 pm

      Oh no! I don't know why that happened, but I hope you solved the problem and it turned out well?

      Reply
  14. Alisha Sloan says

    January 05, 2021 at 10:26 pm

    This is by far the best banana bread I've ever tasted! I'm very new to gluten free baking and your recipes are the most delicious! I did gluten free for a year about 16 years ago at the recommendation of my son's doctor. Gluten free baking has come a long way since then. Thank you for all your experimentation that benefits others. What a blessing!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 07, 2021 at 9:51 pm

      Awe, thank you so much, Alisha!! I really appreciate your kind words 🙂

      Reply
  15. Ashley Biewer says

    September 05, 2020 at 11:35 am

    I have just recently discovered all your wonderful GF Recipes and love them all (well, all of the ones I have tried so far)!!! I was very curious and was wondering if you had a cookbook I could purchase? With all the adds on websites these days and my glitchy internet constantly reloading the page, it is a pain in the butt to make anything! I know there is a printing option, but I seem to miss place them. Hahaha Plus, I would love to have all your glorious recipes in one place so I don’t miss a thing!
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Kim says

      September 05, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      Hi, Ashley and thank you so much for your kind words! I hear ya about the ads. Unfortunately, for now those are the only way I make money that allows me to continue creating new recipes and keep the blog. At some point I would LOVE to write a cookbook, but I'm just not there quite yet. Hopefully within the next year that will happen.

      Until then, I do have an idea. What I did with all of my personal recipes (family recipes, etc that are either written on pieces of paper or cut out of magazines, etc) is took pictures or screen shots of each one and added them to a private (secret) board on Pinterest and that's how I pull each one up. Another option is go to the print recipe option, but instead of printing it to a printer, save it as a PDF on your device.

      I hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
      • Nicole Re says

        May 19, 2022 at 10:56 pm

        I, too, would love it if you could get on that cookbook. I love your recipes and will definitely be hunting for it when it finally comes out. Until then, I'm happy to see the ads as long as you keep making these outstanding recipes.

  16. Shari says

    July 25, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    Wow, another great recipe Kim, love, love this banana bread. Both my husband and I think it’s one of the best. Just like what I use to make years ago with wheat flour. Thank you once again for an awesome recipe. Can’t wait to try your Pumpkin Bread, which is my absolute favourite sweet loaf. 🦋🌞

    Reply
    • Kim says

      July 27, 2020 at 6:50 am

      Awe, thanks so much Shari!! I'm so glad you and your husband loved it. The pumpkin bread is my favorite, too and I can't wait for you to try it 🙂

      Reply
  17. Christine says

    July 08, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    Epic Fail for this recipe. I made muffins and they are so flat is embarrassing! You have such reat recipies, but this one failed to produce? Why didnt they dome nicely?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      July 09, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Did you get my email response? I think they maybe weren't baked long enough.

      Reply
  18. Lucy Lu says

    June 09, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Great recipe. Made it today for the first time. Used Cup4cup flour on hand and only 1 cup of sugar since I prefer a less sweet taste. Added 1/4 cup pecans, just enough to add interest. Baked perfectly in two Fat Daddio's BP 5642 pans from Sur le Table - my favorite for GF loaves. Coconut oil made a crispy, slightly chewy exterior when it was warm. (Couldn't wait for it to cool.) Interior is dark, moist and tender. Flavor is somewhat caramel-like, probably because the bananas were well ripened, but still firm. Look forward to making it again.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      June 10, 2020 at 6:29 am

      I need to check into that Fat Daddio's pan! Thanks for the wonderful review 🙂

      Reply
  19. Marie Marcella says

    May 12, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    As I was gathering ingredients for your lovely GF Banana Bread, I noticed a small typo that you might want to correct. It is the omission of Cinnamon. Though you initially list cinnamon in the ingredients, it is not included in the directions later. Most people will notice that and put it in, but just in case.....

    Your proofreader in Asheville :>)

    Reply
    • Kim says

      May 12, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Oh no! Thank you so much for finding that, Marie! I'll correct it right now 🙂

      Reply
  20. Vernice says

    March 29, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    I'm about to make it I'm do 3xcited

    Reply
  21. Ashley says

    March 14, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Could you use an egg substitute in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      March 15, 2020 at 7:34 am

      I haven't tried it, but I think you probably could.

      Reply
    • Sonu says

      January 16, 2024 at 4:28 am

      For each egg, substitute: 1 tbsp ground chia seed + 2.5 tbsp water. Mix and let sit for about 10 mins.

      Reply
  22. Alene says

    January 23, 2020 at 11:32 am

    I would like to add chopped walnuts to the batter. 1/2 chopped shouldn't hurt it, right? My mother's banana bread with ap flour always had walnuts, and my husband tells me I must be channeling my mother. Lol! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 23, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      I should have put that in the post that nuts can be added if desired, but yes, you can definitely add nuts 🙂

      Reply
  23. Cyndi in NC says

    January 21, 2020 at 10:35 pm

    Oh my goodness!! I make this tonight and it's the best!! This taste almost like my gluten banana bread. It will be my recipe from now on. Well done Kim!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 22, 2020 at 5:43 pm

      Thanks, Cyndi! Glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  24. Manisha says

    January 21, 2020 at 4:21 am

    Another cracking recipe. The family loved it. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 21, 2020 at 6:30 am

      Thanks, Manisha 🙂

      Reply
  25. Angela says

    January 15, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    As for the coconut oil, are you using the 'virgin' one that tastes like coconut or the one that does not taste like coconut (refined)?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      January 15, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Good question! I actually used virgin because I wanted that background taste of coconut (I like coconut and bananas together), but I'm sure refined would work just fine, too 🙂

      Reply
    • Deirdre says

      October 07, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Hello,
      OMGoodness this was the BOMB!!!! So so so good. This is the second recipe of LTEGFC and I’m so happy, and very impressed. This banana bread is about to become ‘the’ banana bread recipe. Finally, no more hunting for recipes. I’ll be making your pie dough tomorrow for Thanksgiving weekend this coming weekend. Thank you for your brilliant recipes. Cheers,
      Deirdre

      Reply
      • Kim says

        October 08, 2020 at 6:50 am

        Yay!!! So glad you don't have to hunt anymore for a good banana bread recipe! Thanks so much, Deirdre 🙂

      • Kitty Jennings says

        May 04, 2022 at 11:11 am

        I just came here to say this almost VERBATIM! This was my 2nd LTEGFC recipe (cinnamon rolls were first 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻) and I just can’t get over how much better the quality is with the homemade flour mixes. This page is my new Bible. A million thanks to you and this community!

      • Kim says

        May 05, 2022 at 6:12 am

        Awe, you are so sweet! Thank you so much for your kind words 🥰🥰🥰

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Hey there, I'm Kim!

I won't let a celiac diagnosis stop me from enjoying my passion for baking and cooking, so stick with me and I'll show you how to make the BEST EVER gluten-free renditions of the food we used to know and love 🤗

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