The Best Gluten Free Banana Bread: Moist, Soft, and Just Like the Real Thing

Banana bread is one of those classic recipes that’s easy to make but surprisingly hard to get just right—especially when it’s gluten free. Too dry? No thanks. Too gummy? Even worse. If you’ve ever tried a disappointing gluten free banana bread, you know the struggle.

But don’t give up just yet. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture, making it impossible to tell that it’s gluten free. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, this is the kind of banana bread that actually lives up to the hype.

loaf of gluten free banana bread, sliced

Table of Contents

The Secret to Super Moist Gluten Free Banana Bread

Banana bread should be soft, tender, and bursting with flavor, and the key to getting that texture just right is all in the ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe foolproof:

Extra ripe bananas – The darker, the better! Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, so don’t toss those spotty bananas—turn them into something delicious.
Sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt) – This is the magic ingredient that keeps the loaf soft and tender without making it too dense.
Melted butter (or coconut oil) – Fat is essential for a rich, moist texture. Coconut oil is a great alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free.
The right gluten-free flour blend – Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time

Even with the best recipe, a few small tricks can make the difference between good banana bread and amazing banana bread.

Mash your bananas well. No one wants chunky banana pieces in their loaf. Use a fork or potato masher to get a smooth texture.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make your bread dense. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
Use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can cause the batter to mix unevenly. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before baking.
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal and prevents sticking, so you don’t lose any of that precious crust.
Let it cool before slicing. I know, I know. It’s hard to wait. But cutting too soon can make your bread fall apart. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing in.

gluten free banana bread slices on platter with fruit

The Best Flour for Gluten Free Baking

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, you might be wondering: What’s the best flour to use? A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is key. Look for one that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, along with xanthan gum to help with structure.

Some of my favorite brands are Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour and King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour. If your blend doesn’t include xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour to help hold everything together.

How to Store and Freeze Your Banana Bread

This banana bread stays moist for days, but if you want to keep it fresh even longer, here’s what to do:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or a sealed container for up to a week.
Freezer: Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds, and it’s as good as fresh!

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free or Egg-Free?

Absolutely! Here’s how to adapt it for dietary needs:

Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil and the sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or applesauce.
Egg-Free: Use flax eggs instead—1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.

gluten free banana bread slices on a white plate

Fun Add-Ins and Variations

Banana bread is already perfect on its own, but why not mix things up? Here are a few fun twists:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Blueberry Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and swirl it into the batter for a spiced kick.

The Recipe: Moist, Soft, Gluten Free Banana Bread

Ingredients

3 to 4 medium overripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
1/3 cup (75g) melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)M
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free option)
1 3/4 cups (245g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or blueberries

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter (or coconut oil), and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt) until smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If using any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.

Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

The Best Part: Sharing

This gluten free banana bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings people together. Whether you’re making it for your family, your best friend, or just yourself (because let’s be real, you deserve it), I hope it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.

So, grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s make some magic happen. Happy baking!