Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. It’s moist and tender thanks to the combination of ripe bananas and coconut oil. The addition of blueberries provides a burst of fruity sweetness, while the use of gluten-free flour makes it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, so you can feel good about indulging. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a snack!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted, or any oil of your choice)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour (such as a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can leave a few small chunks if you prefer some texture in the bread.
Mix the wet ingredients:
To the mashed bananas, add the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
Fold in the blueberries:
Gently fold in the blueberries and walnuts or pecans (if using) to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your warm, gluten-free blueberry banana bread with a cup of tea or as a delicious snack!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free yogurt or milk in place of the coconut oil, and ensure your sweetener is vegan-friendly (such as maple syrup).
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add a 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.
Extra Sweet: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar to the wet ingredients for a more indulgent, caramelized flavor.
Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut or chopped dried pineapple for a tropical flavor combination.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing: This banana bread freezes well. Slice it and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great for this recipe. Just thaw them and mash them as you would with fresh bananas.

2. Can I use a different gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use any gluten-free flour blend. If you’re using a homemade blend, make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum or guar gum for the best texture.

3. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes! To make this banana bread egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of each egg.

4. Can I add other fruits to this bread?

Yes! You can mix in other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even apple chunks. Be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding extra liquid from the fruit.

5. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup with stevia, coconut sugar, or your preferred sweetener. If using a dry sweetener, you may need to adjust the wet ingredients to maintain the proper consistency.

6. Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes, you can use olive oil, melted butter, or avocado oil as an alternative to coconut oil.

7. Can I skip the blueberries?

Yes! If you don’t want blueberries, you can skip them or add other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

8. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

9. Can I make this banana bread without nuts?

Yes, you can skip the nuts or replace them with seeds or extra fruit if you prefer.

10. How can I make the banana bread sweeter?

You can add more sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or sugar) to the batter if you prefer a sweeter bread. Just taste the batter and adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

This Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Bread is the perfect healthy treat for those who love banana bread but need a gluten-free option. Moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, it’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The addition of blueberries not only adds sweetness but also provides antioxidants, making this banana bread both delicious and nourishing. It’s easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and sure to be a hit in your home!