Banana Bread: Tasty and Gluten-free

When life gives you overripe bananas…. make Banana Bread!

banana bread recipe

Banana bread is a popular type of sweet bread or cake. It originated in the United States during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It became a solution for overripe bananas. The mushy overripe bananas are easily incorporated into a bread recipe.

Its simplicity and adaptability make it a beloved staple in many households. You can pair this bread with apricot jam, dark chocolate sauce, or vanilla ice cream and melted peanut butter. Banana cream custard, chocolate pudding, or a fresh fruit salad also work wonderfully. For indulgence, try it with chocolate fondue or a spread of peanut or almond butter.

Excellent non-alcoholic choices include coffee, herbal tea, and hot chocolate. For alcoholic pairings, consider a Banana Bread Cocktail or a Banana Old Fashioned. Wine options include Canadian Ice Wine or Sauternes. Beer lovers can enjoy stouts, coffee stouts, or a Saison, and Pineau des Charentes.

I opted for a simpler recipe. Baking should be easy, especially when using old fruit. Here’s how to make banana bread:

Banana bread

Classic banana bread is a moist, sweet quick bread. It features ripe mashed bananas, eggs, and flour. The recipe typically includes butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 36.2gProtein: 2.66gFat: 12.6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 10.8mgSugar: 18.1g

Ingredients

  

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• 2 over-ripe bananas mashed
• 100 g caster sugar
• 50 g dark muscavado sugar
• 125 g margarine
• 200 g plain flour gluten free
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 egg beaten
• 50 ml milk
• Vanilla essence
• Dash of mixed spice
• 25 g walnuts chopped.

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 170^oC (150^oC if fan assisted)
• Grease and line a loaf tin.
• Cream the sugar and margarine together in a bowl.
• Add the mashed bananas, beaten egg, milk and a few drops of vanilla essence. Mix well.
• Fold in the flour, bicarb and mixed spice, then stir in the walnuts.
• Pour mixture into the tin and bake for 35-40 mins until golden-brown.
• Take out of oven and leave for a few mins, then turn onto wire rack to cool.

Notes

Banana bread tends to develop mold after approximately 4-5 days when leaving at room temperature. To keep it fresh, tightly wrap it and place it in the refrigerator to eat within 7-10 days. Freezing can keep it last for 3 months.

Keyword baking, bread, gluten free, vegetarian

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Variations

There are numerous variations of banana bread to explore.

• Nut Infusions
  • Banana nut bread adds walnuts or pecans for texture.
  • Chocolate chip walnut bread combines sweet chips and crunchy walnuts for extra texture.
• Chocolate banana bread mixes cocoa powder or chips for a rich loaf. Double chocolate variations add extra depth.
• The peanut butter variant blends bananas with peanut butter for richness.

• Fruit Additions
  • Pineapple adds moisture and natural sweetness to the recipe
  • Shredded coconut complements the banana flavor.
  • Berries like blueberries or cranberries create extra flavor and color.
  • Grated zucchini makes a moist, veggie-infused loaf.
  • Pumpkin puree and spices create a fall-flavored treat.
  • Zucchini adds moisture and nutritional value.
  • Pumpkin chocolate chip banana bread blends pumpkin puree with banana and chocolate chips.
• Dietary Versions
  • Vegan version uses flax eggs, coconut oil, and plant-based options.
  • Gluten-free banana bread uses gluten-free flour for those with sensitivities.
  • Healthy version uses almond flour and Greek yogurt for a lighter, nutritious version.
• Banana cinnamon swirl bread has a cinnamon-sugar swirl for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Banana bread pudding turns stale bread into a creamy dessert.