Simple Gluten-Free Bread

Featured in Bake Something Special.

This soft banana bread swaps traditional flour for almond, with natural sweeteners for a gluten-free, moist loaf.
Rose
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:33:20 GMT
A loaf of banana bread garnished with almond slices, served on a cloth, with bananas in the background. Pin it
A loaf of banana bread garnished with almond slices, served on a cloth, with bananas in the background. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Taking a bite of this banana loaf instantly transports me to grandma's house. Crafted with smooth almond flour and sweetened naturally, this treat turns out incredibly soft and just melts away as you eat it. Nobody in my house can resist grabbing a piece for breakfast, quick bites or after dinner.

Why This Treat Stands Out

I tweaked this creation for many seasons in my kitchen. All the ingredients work together making a bread that's both hearty and luxurious. Spotty bananas team up wonderfully with real maple syrup while staying completely free of dairy and gluten. My little ones never realize they're munching on something so healthy.

Must-Have Kitchen Items

  • Spotty Bananas: The brown-speckled ones sitting out are ideal
  • Almond Flour: I stick with fine blanched almond flour for best results
  • Eggs: Use quality eggs for amazing texture
  • Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup gives just the right sweetness
  • Cinnamon: My favorite trick for that warm homey taste
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These guarantee proper height
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a bit makes everything tastier
  • Mild Oil: Avocado oil works wonders here

How To Prepare Banana Loaf

Combine Wet Components
Begin with squashing those spotty bananas in your bowl. Throw in eggs maple syrup oil vanilla cinnamon and rising agents. Mix everything well until it looks smooth.
Incorporate Almond Flour
Carefully mix in your almond flour. I always grab a spatula for this job to maintain fluffiness.
Baking Phase
Transfer your mixture into a metal pan lined with parchment. Stick it in your oven at 350°F for roughly 50 minutes.
Rest and Savor
Let your creation sit in the pan about 10 minutes before moving it to cool completely. I promise the wait for full cooling pays off when cutting slices.

My Personal Baking Tips

After countless attempts I've found metal baking dishes give the most consistent results. Those extra-dark bananas might seem too far gone but they're actually perfect here. The toughest challenge is letting it cool all the way but you'll get much nicer slices if you don't rush.

A freshly baked loaf of banana bread sits in a gray baking pan, accompanied by ripe bananas and a patterned cloth. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf of banana bread sits in a gray baking pan, accompanied by ripe bananas and a patterned cloth. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Custom Touch Ideas

We love trying different versions at home. Sometimes we'll add dark chocolate chunks or chopped walnuts. During autumn months I throw in more warm spices. For my friends who don't eat animal products, I've discovered chia eggs work really well instead.

Serving Suggestions

I often enjoy a thick piece with almond butter for breakfast. My children prefer theirs with cream cheese spread. When friends drop by I warm it up and add vanilla ice cream on top. It tastes great alongside your first coffee or with tea later in the day.

Keeping It Fresh

At our house, this treat stays on the counter covered with a glass dome for easy grabbing and lasts about 3 days. When I make extra loaves they go in the fridge for the week or freezer for up to 3 months. I cut before freezing so we can grab single pieces for toast.

Reviving That Just-Baked Goodness

For frozen pieces I just let them sit out on the counter. A quick run through the toaster brings back that amazing fresh-baked smell and slightly crunchy edges everyone wants.

Key Things To Remember

After getting lots of questions from folks who tried this, I should mention that normal flour just doesn't work the same way. Almond flour behaves differently and makes this treat what it is. Stick with almond flour if you want it to turn out right.

A freshly baked loaf of bread is placed on a dark plate, with a slice cut and positioned next to the whole loaf. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf of bread is placed on a dark plate, with a slice cut and positioned next to the whole loaf. | lovelylifewithrose.com

My Almond Flour Affection

Finding almond flour changed my baking forever. It creates super moist treats and adds good proteins and fats. The light nutty flavor brings something extra to everything I make.

Monitor The Browning

Always check your loaf as it bakes. If you see the top getting too dark just put some foil over it. This simple trick has saved many batches in my kitchen.

Gift-Size Batches

When the holidays come around I love making tiny loaves for presents. Just divide the mix between smaller pans and bake for about 30 minutes. Your whole house will smell wonderful.

Busy Day Breakfast

When we're rushing in the morning I turn this into muffins instead. They only need 20 minutes to bake and the kids can grab them heading out the door. They're fantastic with milk or your morning coffee.

Answers To Common Issues

If yours seems too wet check how much banana you've used. One cup mashed works best. And don't forget metal pans give better results. These easy fixes have helped lots of people get it just right.

A freshly baked loaf of bread with a cracked top and several slices cut from it, displayed on a gray tray. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf of bread with a cracked top and several slices cut from it, displayed on a gray tray. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Banana Know-How

Sometimes you can't find enough overripe fruit. Two big bananas usually gives you the right amount of mashed banana. Just adjust your other stuff accordingly and your creation will still turn out great.

Extra Sweet Options

When I'm craving something more indulgent I add extra touches. A bit more maple syrup drizzled on top or some dark chocolate pieces mixed in turns this into a fancy dessert bread.

Freezer Strategies

My weekend baking often includes backup loaves for later. Wrap entire loaves well they last better than individual slices. Push out as much air as you can before freezing and try to eat them within three months.

Thawing Tricks

Just set your frozen loaf on the counter for a couple hours. Once it's soft pop a piece in the toaster for that warm fresh-baked feeling. The outside gets a bit crispy while the middle stays nice and soft.

Family Cooking Tradition

This banana bread has become part of our household rituals. My children help squash bananas and stir everything together. The fun of sharing homemade goodies never fades. I hope your family enjoys making this as much as mine does.

A freshly baked banana bread in a metal loaf pan, resting on a striped towel. Pin it
A freshly baked banana bread in a metal loaf pan, resting on a striped towel. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is metal better for baking?
Metal pans help the loaf rise evenly and avoid sogginess, unlike ceramic ones.
→ Is another flour okay?
No, swap-ins don't work here. Almond flour is key for the right texture.
→ What about sweetener options?
Liquid or dry works great! Try honey, maple, monk fruit, or erythritol in equal amounts.
→ How can I make this vegan?
Replace the eggs with chia eggs. It'll come out denser but still tasty.
→ What's the best way to store it?
It stays fresh at room temp for 3 days, refrigerated for another 3, or frozen (unsliced) up to 3 months.

Easy Banana Bread

Gluten-free almond banana bread that's naturally sweet. Made in one bowl and wonderfully soft.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Style

Yield: 10 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 3 eggs, large.
02 1 cup mashed bananas (3 very ripe ones needed).
03 1/4 cup mild oil or melted butter.
04 1/4 cup sweetener like maple syrup (or any type).
05 1 teaspoon baking powder.
06 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
07 1 teaspoon baking soda.
08 3 cups almond flour (not the coarse kind).
09 1 teaspoon pure vanilla.
10 A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of salt.
11 Non-stick spray for the pan.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F. Spray your loaf pan lightly and add parchment just at the bottom.

Step 02

Smash the bananas completely. Whisk eggs together with them. Add your oil, vanilla, sweetener, and everything powdered from the list like cinnamon, baking soda, and powder.

Step 03

Gently fold in the almond flour using a spatula. Stop when you don’t see dry spots anymore.

Step 04

Pour into prepared pan. Slide it into the hot oven for 50 minutes until the middle sets and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 05

Let your loaf cool in its pan for 10 minutes. Move it to a wire rack to finish cooling before cutting into it.

Notes

  1. Results are better with a metal pan.
  2. Any dry or liquid sweetener works in this recipe.
  3. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months, but leave it unsliced.

Tools You'll Need

  • A loaf pan (9x5 size, metal is better).
  • A big bowl to mix everything.
  • Something to mash bananas, like a potato masher.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Made with almonds in the flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 309
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 9 g