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This flourless banana bread is moist, fluffy, and full of fresh banana flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a guilt-free, naturally sweetened treat that tastes incredible!
We go through a LOT of bananas in our house. Between smoothies, blondies, and banana bread, we never have the problem of too many brown bananas.
Whatever your reason for avoiding flour, whether it’s an allergy or intolerance, there’s no reason you should sacrifice sweets (hence, I’ve also made flourless brownies and breakfast cookies).
That’s why I developed an easy gluten-free banana bread recipe perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or sharing with friends.
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
- Diet-friendly. Since there’s no flour, this banana bread is gluten-free. It’s also dairy-free and naturally sweetened with only optional added sugar.
- Perfect texture. The texture is absolutely perfect, with a caramelized exterior and a moist, fluffy middle. You’d never be able to guess it’s made without flour.
- Great for sharing. I love bringing this banana bread to get-togethers since it’s full of flavors everyone loves. Even those of us not on a flour-free diet will still really enjoy it.
What we love most about this quick bread recipe is how easy it is to make. There’s no xanthan gum or different ratios of various flours required to make moist, fluffy banana bread. It’s just as easy as a “traditional” banana bread recipe!
Ingredients needed
This healthy banana bread recipe uses basic baking staples and nothing more! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Almond flour. My #1 tip is to use blanched almond flour to give you the best texture and crumble possible. If you don’t have almond flour, use equal portions of oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Sugar. Totally optional and only if you prefer your banana bread to be on the sweeter side. I used white sugar, but maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener like allulose could also work.
- Baking powder. A little leavening agent helps the bread rise and develop air bubbles.
- Cinnamon. An essential warming spice that I feel complements the banana perfectly.
- Salt. Just a dash goes a long way to elevating the rest of the ingredients. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you can omit this.
- Bananas. A must for any banana bread recipe! Make sure to use brown, overripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- Eggs. Room temperature eggs are best. If you’re making vegan banana bread, swap the eggs for 2 flax eggs. To make each flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5-3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes for a gel to form.
- Coconut oil. To help bind the rest of the ingredients and add a rich mouthfeel. If you’re not a fan of coconut flavor, use fractionated coconut oil.
- Vanilla extract. Essential for any good baking recipe.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make flourless banana bread
Step 1- Prep work. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C. Grease a loaf pan or 10×10-inch square pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2- Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
Step 3- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil. Add your mashed bananas and eggs and whisk to combine.
Step 4- Make the bread batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan.
Step 5- Bake. Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes (the square pan tends to be around the 40-minute mark, while the loaf pan is more like 45-50 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe tips and variations
- Use non-overripe bananas. If you don’t have ripe bananas, wrap unpeeled bananas in foil and bake them at 300F for 15-20 minutes. I know it sounds bizarre, but it works!
- Avoid overmixing. I promise it makes a difference. The more you mix, the more air bubbles you lose, and the denser the bread will become.
- Add mix-ins. I know I can be boring since I prefer my banana bread plain, but you can always add some mix-ins, like fresh blueberries, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, almond butter, or dark chocolate chips.
- Cover the loaf with foil. If you notice the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover banana bread slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like your bread to last longer, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To freeze: Store cooled leftover bread in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Using too much flour is the main reason why banana bread can turn out hard, dry, or chewy. The more flour you use, the more it absorbs the wet ingredients, thereby losing moisture.
Leavening agents (like baking powder or baking soda) create air bubbles as the bread bakes. If the bread is removed from the oven before it’s fully cooked in the middle, the air bubbles will burst, and the bread will collapse.
More flourless desserts to try
- Muffins– Unfussy, uncomplicated, and full of decadent chocolate flavor.
- Mug cake– Don’t even ask me how many times I’ve made this recipe!
- Chocolate cookies– These cookies literally MELT in your mouth.
- Chocolate cake– My family’s favorite chocolate cake recipe ever.
- Apple pie blondies– The best of both worlds: Sweet apple pie and chewy blondies.
Flourless Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar * See notes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large bananas mashed
- 2 large eggs Can sub for 2 flax eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Grease a loaf pan or 10 x 10-inch square pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, melt your coconut oil. Add your mashed bananas and eggs and whisk together.
- Combine wet and dry mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Pour into the greased pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes (square pan tends to be around the 40-minute mark, loaf pan 45-50 minute mark!), or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe originally published November 2018 but updated to include new information for your benefit.
The best gluten and dairy free banana bread.
Thanks, Daisy!
I love all your recipes,thanks for sharing 🥰
Thanks Flor!
Loved this recipe. I made 2 loaves. They were moist and delicious. I loved that there are minimal ingredients. I added chopped walnuts to my loaves. Thank you for this delicious and healthy option to traditional banana bread.
Absolutely delicious
So I found this recipe and tried it. Tastes wonderful! So moist and such. (Added mini chocolate chips to mine…) however, I noticed that where I had placed it on the counter, there was a residue of coconut oil left when I picked it up. I only used the amount in the recipe. Thoughts?
And as a side note, I love love loved Harry Potter! Reread each book several times, went to the midnight release of the last one. Watched all the shows many times over!
Thanks for the recipe. If you want more HP, there is always the wide world of fanfic.
Can o just use “coconut sugar” for the sweetener … I think coconut sugar is a lower carb ?
i am thinking about making this bread/cake right now,I love harry potter, but i think i will leave it where it is.wit a million bucks i would buy some new furniture mine are so old.
I just made this, using flax eggs (2T flax : 5T water) and a little less than 1/2c. for the coconut oil, and 1T of sugar. The batter was not fluid, I plopped a couple of spoonfuls into two mini loaf pans because full size loaf pans always disappoint, leaving me with a too wet center, whether I use eggs or flax eggs, and I usually have to bake it until I’m afraid it’s going to burn. So, I was hoping this one to be different. I did have to take the pans out after 50 minutes because they were getting too brown. The center still seemed a little too moist, but I figured it will continue to cook a little more as it rested. Once completely cooled, I cut into it and took about an 1-1/2″ slice. It had a nice density and the flavor was good. Because of the flax it was darker than the photo here, but it had a similar texture, but not raised quite as high.
This bread is good for you, so why not eat more, right? I had a couple of thick slices more, with a few minutes before each slice taken. When I sliced through the center, it is obviously moister, not super wet, but there is a difference in texture from the wetter top half vs the lower half.
I use an oven thermometer to make sure the heat is right. I am not sure why my paleo breads come out super wet or at least too wet in the center. But, I like the recipe and I will try again to see if a couple of other tweaks makes a difference.
Just made this and it is in the oven. If the way I’m licking the bowl and spoon is any indication, we have a winner! Thank you for the recipe. Used flax eggs too. No salmonella for me 😀
Ummmm…. are there any actual reviews on the bake itself? What is the vote?
made by millions, only a handful seem to have left star reviews.
Would I be able to substitute olive oil for the coconut oil and applesauce for the eggs/flax eggs. If so, would the oil be 1:1 and the applesauce 1/4 for one egg?
I haven’t tried- Feel free to experiment and see!
Super moist and delicious….I added 2 tbsp of chia seeds and walnuts. I did it with brown sugar and used gluten free flour. Topped with Dark chocolate chips
This is delicious. I added some chocolate chips and it added a little something. I would definitely make it again.
Thank you for getting back to me. I can’t use dairy butter (one of those dietary restrictions), but you have given me food for thought.😊
This would fulfill all of the different dietary needs in the family. Hubby is not fond of coconut oil. Is there another oil I could use? Thank you.
My oldest son is a voracious HP reader. He is now 28 and still rereads the series. His wife of five months is also a fan. He proposed to her on the stage after they saw the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Being able to to so was a tale of my son’s perseverance and luck. The theatre even gave him a poster signed by the entire cast.
Hi Debbie! you could try using butter instead, but I can’t vouch for it!
Isn’t your son lucky!!!!!
I just made this! So good! Used flaxseed solution for the eggs. It was super moist and the cinnamon complemented the flavors so well. Add walnuts!
😀 great additions 🙂
Can I substitute coconut flour for almond and get the same results?
Nope, won’t work at all!
I never comment on things, but just had to say this was delicious! Followed recipe exactly and added Lily’s semi sweet chocolate chips… Because chocolate (did not add the optional sugar either since I put in the chocolate). Came out perfect. Whole family loved it.
So don’t skip the cool 10 mins in the pan step… I couldn’t wait and the middle fell out of mine – oops!
Oh no! I often prefer letting the bread cool in the pan completely, before slicing up 🙂
Will this recipe work out in a muffin pan?
It sure will- Bake for 18-20 minutes instead!
Update: It came out of the oven flatter then what’s pictured, so I’ll use a smaller loaf pan next time just because I like the way it looks. I waited the allotted 10 minutes, plus more time, but I wanted to cut right into it. It smelled wonderful. When I did cut into it I was happy with how it sliced. I appreciate that it’s moist enough (most paleo banana breads were either eggy or dry that I’ve tried) and it holds together and is not too dense and has a good mouth feel. Two things I did do differently is use a tablespoon of maple syrup in place of the granulated sugar and because I was adding that bit of more liquid, I added a tablespoon of coconut flour. I didn’t have enough coconut oil so 2/3 of the 1/2 cup was olive oil. I try a lot of different paleo and vegan recipes, and most are ‘off’ enough that I don’t go back to them. But, this! it’s one that’s going into the recipe file. I also have perused your website and have tabbed many other recipes. Good thing I recently stocked up on ingredients. Thanks, Arman, this is a winner!
Thanks Denise- Glad it worked out!
Just made this again with walnuts in it in a loaf pan. PERFECT! It’s the only banana bread recipe I make. You are coming up with more recipes that are delicious! Great work and I’m grateful 😃
That means so much, Robin 🙂
This looks so light and fluffy, I’m so excited to make it!
Has anyone had luck substituting some of the coconut oil with a nut butter instead? I’m thinking of doing 1/4 cup coco oil and maybe 1/4 cup of tahini or cashew butter.
I haven’t tried it myself, but feel free to experiment and see- I’d love to hear how it turns out!
So far it is the most delicious banana bread I have ever had!!!
Just made this recipe into muffins and I am obsessed!! Sooo moist and flavorful!! Cant believe they are healthy
😀 LOVE IT!
This was easy to make and delicious!
I want to make again but can not have baking powder at the moment. How can I use baking soda instead? Thanks!
Delicious! Made this twice. First made a loaf and this time made 16 muffins. Can make into 12 larger muffins, but wasn’t sure how much they’d rise. Gonna warm and put organic peanut butter on it! Mmmm! Thank you!
I’ve re-read the Harry Potter several times. I can’t afford to buy books anymore (Harry was my final indulgence before downsizing to move in with my daughter) but I’m a regular at my public library. Now my book addiction can be fed for free!
I made the healthy banana bread and it looks nothing like the one in the picture. It didn’t rise at all just stayed flat like the bread you make in the video above. Tried to take it out of the pan and it fell apart, even having parchment in it. Could you be more specific on what type of pan you used.
Coming to this recipe late, but how long should it bake? At the top it says 33 minutes, but under instructions it says 40-50 minutes.
It depends on the oven and loaf pan size- Hence the numerical differences 🙂
Can I sub apple sauce for the coconut oil?
Nope, that will dry it out!
What do you suggest to replace thre almond flour if I’m allergic to nuts? But would still love the gluten free, vegan sugar free!
Hi you can use oat flour or wheat flour, but the texture will be softer.
Just made your banana bread recipe, excellent! Thank you….I am now a follower!
Great to have you here, Gale!
Hi Arman, your recipes rock. I substituted the bananas for zucchini’s to make it Keto. Perfection.
how many slices is thenutritional facts based on please 🙂
Sounds delicious. What is your suggested measure for the chocolate chips?
Hi there! I’d start with 1/4 cup, but up to 3/4 if you want it super chocolate filled! 🙂
Is 1 T a teaspoon or tablespoons? Recipe looks delish I’m gonna make it
Hi Morreen! 🙂
Yes, that is correct- T is tablespoon 🙂
Arman, I wanted to make the paleo version. I noticed that the recipe doesn’t list milk, but the instructions say to add milk. Do I add milk to not?
Many thanks, for all your recipes!!
Linda
Hi Linda! 🙂 Apologies for the confusion- The paleo option, as it has eggs, doesn’t need the milk 🙂
Thank you for your quick response!
Linda
So welcome!
Can i substitute almond milk and use dairy milk? ?
Hi Aliza! You sure can! 🙂
Bahaha I love this. You know they’re coming out with a new Harry Potter book, right?
LOL. Stop. It’s that ridiculous play.
Such a good answer Arman! I died a little inside when I finished the final book too… Actually I just cried. That could have something to do with the fact that I was heavily sleep deprived – I bought the book at midnight and was finished by 5am… How could I sleep when it was waiting for me!?
Right? So worth staying up for!
That’s an unusual but actually quite good reply to the million Dollar question. I think I’d set some money aside as savings – yes, I knooow -, donate some to good causes and use the remainder for any wishes I might have. Including all the fancy but pricey foods for recipe experimentation ;). Like nut butter, coconut flour and alternative sweeteners …
Definitely putting some towards ingredients!
I would be right there with you sharing that dream! I was devastated when the final book ended. I remember when it came out. I literally didn’t put it down until I finished. My mum was yelling at me to sleep and eat, but nope!
OMG. I wish we had snapchat back then…I remember my uni lecture on Monday morning after the book came out..People were reading it in the lecture hall lol!
I love to re-read books, and have one book I have read 3 times. Anyway, I love this banana bread, and will be making it with coconut flour and adding Lily’s chocolate chips.
🙂 That sounds delicious, Joanne- Lily’s works really well in baked goods!
My mom has been on pinterest a lot lately… the other day, she told me about this new blog she found that she loved– and it was Big Man’s World. She has been saving your easy, healthy dessert recipes to try 🙂
Hahaha your mum is my new favorite person!
You know about this right?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/10/new-harry-potter-cursed-child-eighth-book-july-play-script
It may help your woes 🙂
😀 I may or may not be considering a trip to the UK purely to visit it!
She is doing n new play this summer in the uk go to her website check out the official one
YES!! Mohina, I’m seriously keen to go to the UK for it…
Peppermint schnapps and wine eh? You had some kind friends back then…
Never knew you were such a HP fan. But that explains your suave hairdo 🙂
If I won a million dollars I’d be off with my backpack stomping through Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and India.
That sounds like a great plan!
Are the pictures of the paleo or oat version?
Hi Michelle, they are the oat version!
Oat version is actually just what I was looking for. Can I just sub out the almond flour for oat flour? ?
Yes 🙂 It will just be a little bit flat!
After reading the comments it appears that there are 2 recipes versions, where is the oat flour version? I thought the picture above was the result of the recipe that was listed below it. thank you.
The recipe was amended to include one perfect version!
Let’s play the What If game next time we see each other–that would be so fun! And I stopped at the Goblet of Fire. Sue me.
Haha, I forgive you!
I feel you on the Harry Potter love! Seriously, I think I’ve read the 3rd book 20 times!
The breakfast cake looks perfect!
No shame in that- It’s a good one!
Thanks Heather!
I re-read Gone with the Wind so many times when I was younger I could actually recite it! Nerd alert.
If I won a million dollars…I would definitely invest a lot of it for future real estate and early retirement 🙂
Haha that is awesome!!!!
That’s a fun game! If I won a million dollars, I would start a foundation to help with childhood obesity.
That’s such a great initiative!
If I had a million dollars I’d pay off my car loan, my student loans and then I’d move to Florida and save the rest. Really boring, but I’m a simple person. I’d probably donate some of it to MFA or fund a few kick starters too if I got bored.
You know I’m a Harry Potter fan, so I’ve definitely reread them 🙂 I used to reread more books when I was younger.
You and me, both!
Haha i appreciate your randomness, this is why we are friends! If I could win a million dollars, I would totally buy a wawa aka an east coast gas station that has the BEST FOOD EVER!
OMG. My friend will not shut up about them…she claims they make the best coffee and subs ever!!!
Cake for breakfast? Sounds like a plan to me! I bet the nut butter gives this an amazing soft texture! 🙂
Such a good texture- Thanks Kaila!
So I double checked the recipe to see if you made the chocolate chips “optional” again, but it turns out they’re not even on there!! Arman!
As far as books go, I’m notorious for re-reading a series. I do the same with Netflix shows. I just can’t let go once I”m invested!
LOL!!! My bad…but then again, maybe it was a trick just to spite you 😉
Omg. Don’t get me started on Netflix shows. Gossip girl…reruns.
If you won a million dollars, I could see you building a Harry Potter wizardland to live in. Oh wait, Disney already did that? Then I could see you buying Disney. Oh wait, a million dollars won’t do that? Fine then. I could see you mailing me some of this delicious breakfast cake.
I think a million bucks may JUST be the amount for a single sliver of this cake.
I keep trying to buy enough bananas to have a couple left for baking with no such luck. I’m pathetic and always say if I ever won money I’d pay off debt and then give the rest back. Although you’re right in that 1m doesn’t really get you very far now!
Lol, right? A million bucks these days gets you nothing!
Harry Potter!
I am still not sure I would actually read a 9th book. That might be because it’s like warmed up food to me. Have I ever told you that I didn’t read the final book for over 1,5 years because I refused to let it end?
For a million dollars I would pay my rent and buy plane tickets to everywhere. I would spend all money travelling and I wouldn’t come back until it was gone completely.
Oh no! Really? That is impressive!!! I wouldn’t have been able to handle it!
I always re-read my favorite books! I am not a big fan of Harry Potter (sorry), but I love Vladimir Nabokov and read his books again and again. I am definitely reccomend him if you ever want something more “classic” 😉
Oh thanks for that- I’ll have to hunt it down! 🙂