Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of banana bread but need to avoid gluten and dairy? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the moist, delicious goodness of classic banana bread without compromising on taste or health. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a healthy breakfast option. This recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and satisfying healthy meals can be. Get ready to enjoy this simple, homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option – see tips below)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Add the applesauce, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well to combine.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
Baking the Banana Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as ovens can vary.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips and Variations:
- Flax eggs: For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, or even a swirl of dairy-free cream cheese frosting can elevate this already delicious banana bread.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warming twist.
- Sweetener options: Experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar, adjusting the amount to your preference. Keep in mind that different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This gluten and dairy-free banana bread recipe is a simple yet rewarding baking project, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy diet. It’s a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, offering a wholesome treat that everyone can enjoy. Enjoy!