I’m always looking for ways to make healthy and delicious treats for me and my family. That’s why I love this gluten-free vegan banana bread. It’s moist, fluffy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup. It’s also dairy-free, and egg-free. It’s made with a Gluten-free Flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and walnuts. It’s easy to make in one bowl and bake in a loaf pan. My kids and family enjoy it as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. They can’t get enough of this gluten-free vegan banana bread.
Tips And Tricks For Vegan Gluten-free Banana Bread
1. Flour Blends Matter
- Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. Look for a blend that contains a mix of flours and starches (like rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch) as well as a binder like xanthan gum or guar gum. This combination mimics the texture of gluten-containing flour better than single-flour alternatives.
2. Hydration is Key
- Gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid than wheat flour. If your batter seems too thick, don't be afraid to add a little extra plant-based milk until you reach a consistency similar to traditional banana bread batter.
3. Rest the Batter
- Letting your batter sit for about 30 minutes before baking can help hydrate the flour and improve the texture of the final product. This step isn't strictly necessary but can make a noticeable difference.
4. Banana Ripeness
- The level of ripeness of your bananas can greatly affect the sweetness and moisture of your bread. Overripe bananas, which are very soft and brown, are ideal as they're sweeter and more moist than their just-ripe counterparts.
5. Baking Time Variability
- Due to differences in moisture content from the bananas and variability in oven temperatures, the exact baking time can vary. Start checking your banana bread a bit earlier than the recipe suggests, and use the toothpick test to avoid overbaking.
6. Acidity for Lift
- Ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice react with baking soda to create lift in the absence of eggs. This reaction is crucial for a light and fluffy texture, so don't skip the acidic component.
7. Natural Sweetener Options
- If you want to avoid processed sugars, ripe bananas and pure maple syrup are great natural sweeteners. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness, keeping in mind that more liquid sweetener might require a bit more flour to achieve the right batter consistency.
8. Nutritional Boosts
- Enhance the nutritional profile of your banana bread by adding ground flaxseeds or chia seeds. These not only provide omega-3 fatty acids but can also help bind the batter in place of eggs.
9. Texture Enhancers
- For a more varied texture, consider adding nuts, seeds, or even gluten-free oats (if tolerated). These can add interesting flavors and crunch, making your banana bread more satisfying.
10. Storing for Freshness
- Gluten-free baked goods tend to dry out faster than their gluten-containing counterparts. Store your cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or wrap it well and freeze for longer storage. Slices can be toasted or warmed in the microwave to refresh them.
11. Check for Cross-Contamination
- If you're baking for someone with celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free and that your kitchen tools and workspace are free from gluten contamination.
Finally, I request you to please check my other recipes with this Vegan gluten-free banana bread. and also if you like desserts, I have posted Vegan Red velvet cupcakes and Fudgy Brownies.
Vegan gluten-free banana bread is a delicious treat that you can enjoy any time of the year. You can also add your favorite mix-ins, such as walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, to customize it to your taste.
This banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You can slice it and eat it plain, or spread some nut butter, jam, or vegan cream cheese on top. It also goes well with a cup of coffee, tea, or plant-based milk. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer.
It is a great way to use up overripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Try this recipe today and share it with your family and friends!
Basic Ingredients
- 1.75 cup gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum if your blend doesn't, add 1/2 teaspoon) (220grams)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1.5 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or sub vegetable oil) (80ml)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or sub agave syrup) (120ml)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) (60ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional, chopped, plus more for topping)
Equipment:
- Loaf Pan (approximately 9x5 inches)
- Mixing Bowls (at least 2, for wet and dry ingredients)
- Fork (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or Spoon (for mixing)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Parchment Paper (optional, for easier removal of the bread)
- Oven (preheated to 350°F or 175°C)
- Toothpick or Skewer (for testing doneness)
- Wire Rack (for cooling)
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 37g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2.99g12%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
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Choosing Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are soft and have lots of brown spots.
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Gluten-Free Flour Blends: Gluten-free baking can be tricky because gluten-free flours behave differently than wheat flour. For best results, use a commercial gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum. These ingredients help mimic the binding properties of gluten.
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Measuring Flour: Be sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents the flour from being packed too tightly and resulting in a dry bread.
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Mixing Batter: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can cause the bread to be tough once baked.
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Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your banana bread for doneness at around 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the bread is done.
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Cooling: Letting the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps it to set and makes it easier to remove. However, it’s important to transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
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Storage: Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, wrap the bread well and freeze it. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
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Nutritional Considerations: If you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly, although this will affect the final taste and texture. Using unsweetened plant-based milk is also a good way to keep the sugar content down.
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Customization: Feel free to add in other ingredients such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or a swirl of peanut butter to customize your banana bread. Just be mindful that adding ingredients with moisture (like berries) may slightly increase baking time.
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Allergen Notes: For those with nut allergies, you can easily omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture without the allergen concern.
Keywords:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Banana Bread, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free