The Perfect Loaf of Gluten-Free Banana Bread (Grandma Approved!)

This is the easiest, most delicious gluten-free banana bread recipe you’ll ever make! Moist, tender, and completely butter-free, it’s been perfected by a professional gluten-free baker and has set the standard for countless gluten-free blogs today. If you’ve been searching for a go-to banana bread recipe that’s both foolproof and full of flavor, this is it!

One of the very first recipes I posted when I started this blog was for classic gluten-free banana bread. At the time, I thought it was amazing. But over time, I continued to test it with varying ingredient ratios and it has evolved into the perfect loaf.

This loaf is so incredibly moist with a texture that’s firm yet tender. It won’t crumble apart when you’re eating it.

I spent years testing this recipe with varying amounts of oil (instead of butter) to make a moist loaf of banana bread without it feeling greasy or oily. The exact amount, 1/3 cup oil to 2/3 cup milk, is what I discovered to be the perfect amount.

So perfect, in fact, that most of the gluten free banana bread recipes you come across now have copied and used the exact formula of oil, liquid, and leaveners in their bread recipes that I have developed.

As a professional gluten free baker and recipe developer, I can confidently say that I was a pioneer in gluten free quick bread recipe development, as evidenced by my cookbook, The Gluten-Free Quick Breads Cookbook, where I developed 75 unique gluten free bread recipes.

Grandma-Approved & Reader-Loved

The ultimate test of a great gluten free recipe is how it’s received by others, specifically those who do not have to follow a gluten free diet.

I can tell you with certainty that my 97-year-old grandmother loves this loaf of banana bread. She always raves about how good it is and she can’t believe it isn’t made with wheat flour.

The best part of that? She is not one to give out compliments or praise. One of her other favorite recipes is my Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Cake, in case you want to make another grandma-approved gluten-free recipe!

For more proof that this is the only gluten free banana bread recipe you need, you can read the comments left by bakers who have tried and loved this recipe.

How To Make The Best Gluten Free Banana Bread In 8 Simple Steps

First, preheat the oven and prepare your 9×5 loaf pan.

If you’ve made this recipe, leaving a star rating and note in the comments below would be so helpful for other gluten free bakers!

Pro Tips For Making the Perfect Loaf of Gluten Free Banana Bread

1. Use room temperature ingredients. They will mix together easily, your loaf will bake more evenly, and it will rise better.
2. Allow your oven to preheat fully!  Let it preheat an extra 5-10 minutes to make sure it’s up to temperature.  If you’re not sure how accurate your oven is, you can get an inexpensive oven thermometer.  
3. Be sure to let the banana bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
4. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
5. Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas or overripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and much easier to mash. They’re also more flavorful and will give your loaf of bread the best banana flavor.

Let’s connect!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Mail
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Bluesky
• Amazon

Moist Gluten Free Banana Bread with Oil

4.73 from 177 ratings

This is the best and easiest gluten free banana bread recipe you'll ever make, without any butter needed. This homemade gluten free banana bread, also known as a quick bread, is moist and super flavorful. You can also make it in one bowl for your convenience. It's perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or tasty snack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 slices

By: Sharon Lachendro

Print Rate Pin

Ingredients

• 2 Cups all-purpose gluten free flour
• 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 Cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 Cup avocado oil or canola oil
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 2/3 Cup unsweetened coconut milk or regular milk
• 1 Cup mashed banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Break up any clumps of brown sugar if necessary. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, milk, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. Cooking time will vary depending on your oven - mine is usually done around 55 minutes.
• Cool the bread in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes then remove from the pan and cool completely on the cooling rack. To store, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-lock bag. It will stay fresh up to 3 days. This bread also freezes well.

Video

Notes

If you'd like to add nuts to this recipe:

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans chopped)

To Freeze:

Option 1:  Freeze the whole loaf wrapped up in plastic wrap and then store inside of a gallon freezer bag. 

Option 2: Slice up the banana bread loaf into individual slices and freeze each one separately for a quick grab and go!  Either option is great and makes life so much easier!

Recommended Products

All-Clad Measuring Cups

All Clad Measuring Spoons

USA Pan 1140LF Bakeware Aluminized Steel 1 Pound Loaf Pan, Small, Silver

Unbleached Parchment Paper for Baking, 15 in x 200 ft, 250 Sq.Ft, Baking Paper, Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Air Fryer and Steaming

Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl Set

Silicone Baking Utensils

The Gluten-Free Quick Breads Cookbook: 75 Easy Homemade Loaves in Half the Time

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

Did you make this?Mention @whattheforkfoodblog or leave a comment rating below!