Banana Almond Bread Recipe: Moist Gluten-Free Loaf

Are you searching for a sweet, satisfying snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty? This banana almond bread recipe is exactly what you need! This moist, gluten-free loaf combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the delightful crunch of almonds, creating a perfect treat for any time of day.

Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, this banana bread with almonds delivers on all fronts. Using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this almond banana bread is perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. The best part? It’s naturally gluten-free thanks to nutrient-rich almond flour!

Table of Contents

• Why This Recipe Works
• Health Benefits
• Ingredients
• Cooking Instructions
• Storing Your Loaf
• Creative Ways to Serve
• Recipe Variations
• Nutritional Information
• Jump to Recipe

Why This Banana Almond Bread Recipe Works

This isn’t just another banana bread recipe – it’s been perfected to give you the moistest, most flavourful banana and almond loaf every single time. Here’s what makes this ground almond banana bread special:

• Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Using overripe bananas with brown spots ensures maximum sweetness and moisture. The natural sugars in these bananas caramelise during baking, creating deep, complex flavours.
• Almond Flour Magic: Unlike traditional wheat flour, almond flour keeps this bread incredibly moist whilst adding protein and healthy fats. This makes our banana bread with ground almonds both nutritious and satisfying.
• Coconut Oil: Provides healthy fats that keep the bread tender for days, whilst adding a subtle tropical note that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Natural Sweeteners: Honey adds moisture and complex sweetness without the blood sugar spikes of refined sugar, making this a healthier banana almond bread option.

Health Benefits of Banana Almond Bread

This banana bread with almonds recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutritional benefits that make it a smart choice for health-conscious bakers:

• Digestive Health Support: The high fibre content from both bananas and almond flour promotes healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Almonds provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and help lower cholesterol levels naturally.
• Essential Nutrients: Bananas deliver potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, whilst almonds contribute vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium – all crucial for optimal health.
• Gluten-Free Benefits: Made with almond flour, this perfect banana bread recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Protein Power: With approximately 6g of protein per slice, this almond banana bread recipe helps maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Ingredients for Perfect Banana Almond Bread

The secret to creating the perfect banana almond bread lies in choosing quality ingredients and getting the proportions just right. Each component in this recipe serves a specific purpose – from the overripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture, to the almond flour that creates that tender, gluten-free crumb we’re after. Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own moist, flavourful loaf:

Essential Ingredients

• 2 large overripe bananas (about 300g), mashed
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 60ml (¼ cup) raw honey
• 60ml (¼ cup) coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 200g (2 cups) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 75g (½ cup) roughly chopped almonds

Ingredient Notes

• Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – they’ll be sweeter and mash more easily.
• Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour (not almond meal) for the best texture. Store-bought works perfectly, or make your own by processing blanched almonds until fine.
• Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil if you prefer no coconut flavour, or virgin coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to transform them into the most delicious banana almond bread you’ve ever tasted. This method has been tested countless times to ensure foolproof results, so follow each step carefully for that perfect moist texture and rich flavour. Don’t worry if you’re new to gluten-free baking – these clear instructions will guide you through every stage of the process:

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Line a 23cm x 13cm loaf tin with baking parchment, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare your bananas by mashing them in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining.

Making the Batter

3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the eggs, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and no streaks remain.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Add the almonds: Gently fold in the chopped almonds, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top if desired.

Baking

7. Transfer to tin: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved almonds on top for extra crunch.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Make Your Banana Bread Extra Moist

The secret to achieving the perfect moist banana almond bread lies in these professional tips:

• Don’t Overbake: Start checking at 50 minutes. The skewer should come out with a few moist crumbs – completely clean means it’s overdone.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more tender crumb.
• Proper Measuring: Too much almond flour will result in dry bread. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off rather than scooping directly.
• The Banana Test: Your bananas should be so ripe they’re almost too soft to handle. This ensures maximum moisture and natural sweetness.
• Steam Trick: Place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom shelf whilst baking to create steam, which helps keep the bread moist.

Storing Your Banana Almond Loaf

Proper storage ensures your banana bread with almonds stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

Room Temperature Storage

You can store your cooled banana and almond bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent it from drying out, wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container.

Refrigerator Storage

For longer freshness, refrigerate wrapped bread for up to 1 week. The texture may become slightly denser, but the flavour remains excellent.

Freezing Instructions

This almond banana bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For easy portions, wrap individual slices in cling film and place in a freezer bag. Alternatively, wrap the entire loaf in plastic wrap and aluminium foil.

Reheating Tips

• From frozen: Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm in a 160°C oven for 5-8 minutes
• Individual slices: Pop in the toaster for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds
• Whole loaf: Wrap in foil and warm in a 160°C oven for 10-15 minutes

Creative Ways to Serve Banana Bread with Almonds

Transform your ground almond banana bread into exciting meals and treats with these creative serving ideas:

Healthy Breakfast Options

• Greek Yoghurt Parfait: Layer slices with thick Greek yoghurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast
• Almond Butter Toast: Spread natural almond butter on warm slices for extra nutty goodness
• Banana Bread French Toast: Dip thick slices in beaten egg with cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden

Indulgent Desserts

• Ice Cream Sandwich: Use slices as the “bread” with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel
• Bread and Butter Pudding: Transform day-old slices into a comforting pudding with custard
• Trifle Base: Cube and layer with cream and fresh fruit for an elegant dessert

Savoury Surprises

• Gourmet Sandwich: Try with sliced turkey, avocado, and rocket for a sweet-savoury combination
• Salad Croutons: Cube and toast lightly for a unique salad topper
• Cheese Board: Serve alongside soft cheeses and fruit for an unexpected addition

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best bakers encounter issues sometimes. Here’s how to fix common banana almond bread problems:

Dense, Heavy Bread

Cause: Overmixing the batter or using too much almond flour
Solution: Fold ingredients just until combined – lumps are fine! Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.

Sunken Middle

Cause: Opening the oven door too early or expired leavening agents
Solution: Don’t open the oven for the first 45 minutes. Check your baking powder and bicarbonate of soda are fresh (replace every 6 months).

Dry Texture

Cause: Overbaking or insufficient moist ingredients
Solution: Use very ripe bananas and don’t bake beyond the skewer test. Consider adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil.

Bland Flavour

Cause: Under-ripe bananas or insufficient seasoning
Solution: Only use bananas with brown spots. Don’t skip the salt – it enhances all other flavours.

Burning Top

Cause: Oven too hot or rack positioned too high
Solution: Cover with foil after 30 minutes if browning too quickly. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make this banana bread with ground almonds work for your dietary needs:

Vegan Banana Almond Bread

• Egg substitute: Replace each egg with 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes) or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• Honey alternative: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts

Nut-Free Version

• Flour swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour (you may need slightly less liquid)
• Omit almonds: Replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch

Lower Sugar Option

• Natural sweeteners: Reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and add 2 extra very ripe bananas
• Sugar-free: Use sugar-free honey alternative or stevia (adjust to taste)

Mix-In Ideas

• Chocolate chips: 75g dark chocolate chips for indulgence
• Dried fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates
• Spices: Add ½ tsp nutmeg or ¼ tsp cardamom for warmth
• Citrus zest: 1 tsp orange or lemon zest for brightness

Nutritional Information

Per slice (based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fibre: 4g
• Fat: 17g (mainly healthy monounsaturated fats)
• Sugar: 12g (naturally occurring)
• Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work beautifully in this banana bread recipe. Use the same quantity and chop to similar sizes. Each nut brings its own flavour profile – walnuts add earthiness, pecans bring buttery sweetness, and hazelnuts offer rich nuttiness.

Why isn’t my banana almond bread moist enough?

Several factors affect moisture: ensure you’re using very ripe bananas (they should have brown spots), don’t overbake (start checking at 50 minutes), and measure your almond flour accurately. Also, make sure your coconut oil is properly incorporated and consider the humidity in your kitchen.

Can I make this banana and almond loaf ahead of time?

Yes! This bread actually improves after a day as the flavours meld together. Bake up to 3 days ahead and store wrapped at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I know when my banana bread with almonds is done?

Insert a skewer into the deepest part of the loaf – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. The internal temperature should reach 95°C if using a thermometer.

Can I double this almond banana bread recipe?

Certainly! Double all ingredients and use two standard loaf tins. The baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes, so start checking at 55 minutes. Alternatively, use one large tin but expect a longer baking time.

Quick Recipe Card for Banana Almond Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 10 slices | Difficulty: Easy | Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 mashed bananas
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped almonds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment.
2. Mix mashed bananas, eggs, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped almonds.
6. Pour into prepared tin and bake 50-60 minutes until skewer comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin.

Nutrition per slice: 245 calories | 6g protein | 17g fat | 18g carbs

Perfect Banana Bread Every Time

This banana almond bread recipe delivers everything you want in a homemade loaf: incredible moisture, rich flavour, and the perfect texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe ensures success every time.

The combination of naturally sweet bananas, protein-rich almond flour, and crunchy almonds creates a bread that’s both indulgent and nutritious. It’s the perfect solution for using up overripe bananas whilst creating something the whole family will love.

Ready to bake your best banana bread yet? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for the most delicious, moist banana and almond bread you’ve ever tasted. Don’t forget to share your results – we’d love to see your perfect loaf!

Save this recipe for later and share it with fellow baking enthusiasts who appreciate the perfect combination of health and flavour!