Flourless Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, Flourless Banana Bread is about to become your new best friend. Naturally gluten-free and bursting with the irresistible sweetness of ripe bananas, this one-bowl wonder bakes up outrageously moist, soft, and just the right amount of indulgent, thanks to your choice of nut butter and a handful of mix-ins. Whether served for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy treat, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—and everyone you share it with will be begging for your secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Flourless Banana Bread couldn’t be simpler—and each one packs its own special punch for flavor, texture, or moisture. Even the optional add-ins can change up the personality of your loaf every time you bake it. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
- Ripe Bananas: These are the heart and soul of the bread, providing natural sweetness and unbeatable moisture—don’t be afraid if the peels look extra spotty!
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together, giving the loaf structure without any flour.
- Creamy Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: Adds richness, healthy fats, and a subtly nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness and a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, making the overall taste more complex and comforting.
- Cinnamon: Lends a hint of cozy spice that makes every bite feel extra special.
- Baking Soda: This little bit of chemistry helps your bread rise and stay light.
- Salt: A small amount sharpens and balances the sweetness, waking up all the flavors.
- Rolled Oats (optional): Adds heartiness, texture, and a rustic feel to your banana bread.
- Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): For extra crunch or a pop of gooey goodness—don’t skip if you love a bit of flair!
How to Make Flourless Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking right from the start. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy removal later, or simply grease it lightly. Prepping your pan properly means your gorgeous loaf won’t stick, and you’ll get those clean, bakery-style slices with ease.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until no lumps remain—a fork works perfectly here. Add in the eggs, nut butter (choose your favorite between peanut or almond), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk all this together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which sets the stage for moist, flavorful bread.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together so the dry ingredients are fully combined with the wet base. Now’s the moment to fold in rolled oats if you’re using them—oats create a pleasantly hearty bite that transforms the loaf into true breakfast territory.
Step 4: Fold in Extras
Here comes the fun part: toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if you’d like. Stir gently to distribute them evenly through the batter, ensuring every slice gets a bite of something special.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the center of your oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with just a few crumbs. The aroma alone will let everyone know something wonderful is in the works!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then use the parchment overhang to gently lift it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—this helps the loaf hold together and makes for the tidiest slices. Now, get ready for that first, irresistible bite of Flourless Banana Bread!
How to Serve Flourless Banana Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of nut butter, or even a thin layer of Greek yogurt transforms your loaf into an artful treat. For extra flair, a few fresh banana slices on top make it pretty and inviting.
Side Dishes
This bread is a rock star alongside your morning coffee or tea, but it’s also lovely paired with a side of mixed berries or a simple fruit salad. Try serving it with a dollop of cottage cheese or a little cup of yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Flourless Banana Bread into cubes and serve as part of a brunch board with jams and spreads. Or toast individual slices and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, memorable dessert. You can even turn leftovers into French toast—just give each slice a quick dip in egg and pan-fry for a chewy, custardy breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your freshly baked loaf will keep perfectly at room temperature for up to three days if wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container. For an even longer shelf life, pop it in the refrigerator where it’ll stay moist and delicious for nearly a week.
Freezing
If you want to stretch out the enjoyment, Flourless Banana Bread freezes beautifully. Slice it up, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place the slices in a freeze-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to three months—just grab a slice when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To refresh leftover bread, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or toast it lightly in the oven. This brings back the just-baked warmth and makes the banana and nutty flavors sing again. Don’t be surprised if it disappears as quickly as when it was first made!
FAQs
Can I make this Flourless Banana Bread vegan?
Yes, you can! Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use maple syrup for sweetening. Check your mix-ins too—use dairy-free chocolate or stick with nuts and seeds for crunch.
Will this recipe work without the oats?
Absolutely. The oats are totally optional—they add heartiness and a bit of chew, but leaving them out delivers a softer, more classic banana bread texture. It’s delicious both ways, so it’s all about your personal preference.
Can I use another nut butter or make it nut-free?
Feel free to experiment with cashew butter for an ultra-creamy loaf, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. The flavor will change slightly, but the bread turns out just as moist and satisfying.
How do I know when my Flourless Banana Bread is done?
Start checking it at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, it’s perfect. Remember, baking times can vary slightly based on your oven and pan, so keep an eye (and nose!) out as it nears the end.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans, or use a larger baking dish. The bread is so irresistible, having extra slices is never a bad idea—just adjust baking time as needed until both loaves pass the toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Flourless Banana Bread—once you taste that tender, banana-rich crumb and see how easy it is, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand. Don’t be surprised if it disappears within a day or two; it’s just that good. Happy baking!
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Flourless Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and wholesome treat with this Flourless Banana Bread recipe. Made without traditional flour, this gluten-free and dairy-free bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup rolled oats (optional for texture)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a light greasing.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Optionally fold in oats and choice of nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seed butter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
