This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
We turn to this flourless banana bread recipe every time we’re out of flour. It’s fluffy and soft, and the almond flour gives it a nutty flavor my family loves. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free!
Table of Contents
This flourless banana bread is the best gluten-free bread.
We go through a lot of bananas in my house. Between breakfast smoothies, banana blondies, and banana bread, we never have the problem of too many bananas. When I need a gluten-free breakfast bread (or, hypothetically, I forget to buy flour at the store), I make this flourless version.
We love it because it doesn’t taste or, frankly, look like it’s flourless. The almond flour gives the bread a delicate crumb, and the bananas get tender and caramelized. It’s also convenient since you don’t need xanthan gum or multiple types of gluten-free flour.
If you enjoy making flourless treats like we do, try my flourless muffins, flourless brownies, flourless chocolate cake, or flourless cookies next!
Key ingredients
- Almond flour. My #1 tip for baking with almond flour is to use blanched almond flour and NOT almond meal. The latter is made with almond skins, which yields a chewier texture and crumbly bread. 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 sweeter. I used white sugar, but maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener like allulose works.
- Baking powder. Leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop air bubbles. Don’t substitute with baking soda, as it won’t have the same effect.
- Cinnamon. My favorite spice for pairing with banana bread!
- Salt. Just a dash goes a long way to elevating the other ingredients.
- Ripe 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.
- Coconut oil. To help bind the ingredients and add texture. If not strictly dairy-free, use unsalted butter.
- Vanilla extract. Essential for any good baking recipe.
How to make flourless banana bread
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the oven and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the oil and whisk in the mashed bananas and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until smooth.
Step 3- Bake. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Step 4- Cool. Let the bread cool briefly before removing it from the pan. Once cool, slice and serve.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t have ripened bananas? I’ve got you covered. Simply wrap your unpeeled bananas in foil and bake them at 300F for 15-20 minutes. We do this all the time in my house!
- Use a blender. When I can’t be bothered to dirty two bowls, I’ll make the batter in my blender.
- Cover the loaf. After 35 minutes, if you notice the top of the bread is browning before the center is done, lightly cover it in foil and continue baking.
Frequently asked questions
Your gluten-free banana bread may be dry depending on the brand of gluten-free flour you use or if you substituted different types of flour. Always use the specified type of gluten-free flour in a recipe, as each type has different levels of absorbency.
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
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Grease a loaf pan or 10-inch square pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, 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
More flourless quick bread recipes to try
Originally published November 2018, updated and republished January 2025
best flourless banana bread recipe EVER!
This flourless banana bread is sensational. Make it weekly.
This flourless banana bread is sensational. Make it weekly.
Best flourless banana bread
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.
I can eat pretty much anything, but gloots DO leave me feeling MEH, thus trying out this recipe. Turned out great! I did make a few tweaks; I used coconut palm sugar, real eggs and butter instead of coconut oil. Also, I live at a high altitude, so baked goods take longer to bake and dry out faster… so I added another banana. I lined my loaf pan with parchment paper, so I could lift it out. I let it cool about 10, then tried it. Needed to bake longer, so I put it back in at 300 for another 10 minutes (again, it’s a high altitude issue). Then it was perfy!
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! 🙂