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Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a moist, flavorful banana bread that’s not only gluten-free but also packed with wholesome ingredients, you’re in for a treat. This Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe is one of those gems that I absolutely love because it manages to be tender, slightly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying—all while using almond flour as its star ingredient. Whether you want something perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy treat with your coffee, this recipe has you covered. I’m excited to share every step of how I make this bread turn out beautifully every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Gluten-Free and Nutritious: Made entirely with almond flour, it’s perfect if you’re avoiding gluten but still crave a delicious bread.
  • Super Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup give it a lovely natural sweetness and texture.
  • Simple Ingredients: No weird additives—just pantry staples and healthy swaps like avocado oil.
  • Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak sweeteners, oils, or even try it vegan for different tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the battle won in baking, and for this Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe, I’ve found sticking to quality, simple ingredients really shines through. Using almond flour—not almond meal—is key to the texture, and ripe bananas with spots are your best friends here.

  • Very ripe bananas: The browner the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Eggs: They give structure and richness to your bread.
  • Sweetener (maple syrup): I love using pure maple syrup for its depth of flavor, but feel free to swap with honey or monkfruit.
  • Mild oil (avocado oil): Keeps it moist without overpowering—plus, it’s super healthy.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon makes the flavors pop beautifully.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note that pairs perfectly with bananas.
  • Baking soda and baking powder: Both work together to help the bread rise nicely.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Almond flour: Must be almond flour, not almond meal, for the best texture.
  • Cooking spray: I use a Misto sprayer to lightly grease the pan without overdoing it.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different variations depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood, and you’ll find it adapts beautifully. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

  • Vegan Version: I swapped eggs for chia eggs (1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water) once, which made it a bit denser but still had great flavor.
  • Sweetener Swaps: If you want it less sweet, reduce sweetener or use a zero-calorie option like monkfruit; it still bakes beautifully.
  • Add-ins: Try folding in chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and layers of flavor.
  • Spices: Mix things up by adding nutmeg or ginger for a different aromatic touch.

How to Make Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to use a metal 9×5-inch loaf pan here—ceramic works but you’ll notice better rise and texture with metal. Line the pan with parchment paper or spray the bottom and lower inch with cooking spray. This prevents sticking but keeps the sides slightly caramelized, giving a nicer crust.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab those beautifully ripe bananas and mash them well with a fork or potato masher. You want about a cup of mashed banana for this recipe. Then, whisk in your eggs, maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Adding cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt at this stage lets the flavors meld before the almond flour goes in.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Almond Flour

This is the moment where you need to be careful. Almond flour is delicate and can easily become dense if overworked. Using a spatula, gently fold the almond flour into the mixture just until combined. You want everything well incorporated but no heavy stirring that can make the bread too compact.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes, but start checking around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the bread firm up and slice neatly—trust me, using a sharp serrated knife here makes slicing a breeze and keeps your slices intact.

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Pro Tips for Making Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe

  • Use Ripe Bananas: I tried this with less ripened bananas before, and the flavor and moisture took a dip—let those spots do their magic!
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Folding gently keeps the crumb light and prevents the bread from becoming tough.
  • Prefer Metal Over Ceramic Pans: I’ve found metal pans bake more evenly and give a better rise than ceramic.
  • Avoid Using Almond Meal: When I accidentally used almond meal, the texture was more crumbly and less fluffy, so almond flour is essential.

How to Serve Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe

A loaf of banana bread with a textured, golden brown crust sits on a light wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. The loaf is partially sliced with three thick, uneven slices laid flat in front, revealing a moist, speckled light brown inside with tiny dark flecks spread throughout. A white cloth with thin dark stripes is partially visible to the left side of the cutting board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, a simple spread of creamy almond butter or a swipe of grass-fed butter on a warm slice is irresistible. I’ve also sprinkled a few toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch. Fresh berries on the side add a lovely burst of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast. If serving brunch, try complementing it with a small bowl of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey or a fruit salad to brighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I once made mini loaf versions of this Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe for a kids’ party—everyone loved having their own personal size! For holidays, icing it lightly with cream cheese frosting and adding sliced bananas on top turns it into a festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays fresh up to three days. After that, I pop it in the fridge where it lasts another three days, but be sure to bring slices back to room temp or warm them slightly for best flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver! I bake and cool the bread completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a gallon-size Ziploc, squeezing out as much air as possible. I freeze the loaf whole rather than sliced, so it retains moisture beautifully for up to three months. When ready, just thaw on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth back, I like to toast slices lightly or warm them in a low oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the edges crisp up a little while keeping the center tender and delicious.

FAQs

  1. Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour in this recipe?

    It’s best to use almond flour rather than almond meal because almond flour is finer and results in a lighter, fluffier texture. Almond meal is coarser and can make the bread denser and crumbly. If you only have almond meal, you might want to grind it further before using.

  2. What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

    To quickly ripen bananas, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato and fold the bag closed. The ethylene gas from the other fruit speeds up ripening, usually within a day or two. You can also bake them whole on a sheet at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skin is blackened and soft.

  3. Can I make this Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe vegan?

    Yes! I’ve successfully made this with chia eggs replacing regular eggs (1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water per egg). It turns out a bit denser and flatter but still moist and tasty.

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

    Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Also, the top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when tapped.

  5. What’s the difference between almond flour and almond meal?

    Almond flour is finely ground blanched almonds (skins removed), giving it a soft, flour-like texture. Almond meal is often made from whole almonds with skins and is coarser. Flour produces lighter baked goods; meal can be denser.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it balances health, flavor, and ease perfectly. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded how simple swaps and a little care in mixing can produce something so satisfying and nourishing. I genuinely hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this bread as much as my family and I do. So go ahead, grab those bananas, and bake a loaf—you’ll get the warmest, most heartfelt smiles around your table.

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Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 slices
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Almond Flour Banana Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful gluten-free treat made with ripe bananas, almond flour, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast, it combines the rich taste of bananas with a subtle hint of cinnamon and vanilla, baked to golden perfection in a metal loaf pan.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 medium-large very ripe bananas with brown spots (about 1 cup mashed)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or any other sweetener of choice)
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or any mild oil like light olive oil, melted coconut oil, grapeseed oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups almond flour (not almond meal)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Other

  • Cooking spray (such as Misto) for greasing the pan


Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5 inch metal loaf pan with parchment paper or keep the non-stick surface as is. Spray only the bottom and the lower 1 inch of the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a masher. Add the eggs, sweetener (maple syrup), avocado oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk all these ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Add the Almond Flour: Gradually stir in the almond flour with a spatula, mixing gently until the batter is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
  4. Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  5. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack before slicing.
  6. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread. This type of knife helps keep the slices intact without crumbling the bread.

Notes

  • Store the bread in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for an additional 3 days if needed.
  • For freezing, bake and cool the bread completely. Freeze unsliced to retain moisture; place in a gallon-size Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for a few hours before serving.
  • Metal loaf pans work best for this recipe as they help the bread rise better and prevent excess moisture compared to ceramic pans.
  • Use any mild-tasting oil such as avocado oil, light olive oil, melted coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.
  • This bread must be made with almond flour only; subbing other flours is not recommended.
  • Sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or monkfruit erythritol-based sweeteners can be used successfully in the same quantity.
  • This recipe can be adapted to vegan by substituting the eggs with chia eggs, though the bread will be slightly denser and flatter but still delicious.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of loaf)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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