This almond flour banana bread is moist, fluffy, and packed with banana goodness! It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack any time of day.
The best part? It’s gluten-free and so easy to make. I love slathering mine with a little peanut butter—heavenly! What’s your favorite topping? 🍌🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The bananas should be overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the process by baking them on low heat in the oven until soft. This way, you’ll get that natural sweetness needed for the bread.
Almond Flour: This is the star ingredient, giving a nutty flavor and moist texture. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can try using oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. Just ensure the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for best results.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work wonderfully, but if you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup. For a lower-calorie option, you can use a 1:1 sugar substitute (like stevia) to maintain sweetness without the extra calories.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thick) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Just remember it might affect the bread’s texture slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
To achieve that perfect moist and fluffy texture, focus on a few key techniques. First, don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; just stir until they’re combined. This helps prevent dense bread. Next, baking at the right temperature is crucial—always make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting in the loaf.
- Check the bananas are extra ripe; this will enhance moisture.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining.
- Adjust the baking time according to your oven; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing. It helps maintain moisture and makes slicing easier. Enjoy baking!
Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then around 45-55 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which includes cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with some oil or cooking spray and set it aside for later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your mashed bananas and add honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is mixed well and there are no lumps.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined. If you’d like to add some texture, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top to ensure it bakes evenly.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check your banana bread by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help it set up nicely.
Enjoy your deliciously moist almond flour banana bread!
Can I Substitute Other Flours for Almond Flour?
Almond flour gives this banana bread a unique texture and flavor, but if you need a substitute, you can try using coconut flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you’ll likely need to use only half the amount and increase the liquids (like adding an extra egg or a bit more banana).
What If My Bananas Aren’t Ripe Enough?
If your bananas are still slightly green, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a ripe banana for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they turn black, which will make them sweet and soft!
Can I Freeze This Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Once cooled completely, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
How Can I Make This Banana Bread Less Sweet?
If you’d like a less sweet banana bread, you can reduce the honey or maple syrup to 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. Remember, ripe bananas add natural sweetness, so even with less added sweetener, your bread will still be delicious!
