This Flourless Banana Bread is everything I love in a homemade treat: moist, naturally sweet, packed with nutty flavor, and free from grains or gluten. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes an instant favorite, whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a wholesome dessert. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how beautifully tender and flavorful this loaf turns out—no flour required! Trust me, one bite, and you’ll want to bake it on repeat.

Flourless Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is all about the smart combination of simple ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, from sweetness and richness to a perfectly soft texture and beautiful golden color.

Ripe bananas: Be sure to use bananas with dark spots—the riper, the better for natural sweetness and a moist crumb.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and give the bread structure so it bakes up light and fluffy.
Natural peanut butter or almond butter: Adds richness, healthy fats, and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
Honey or maple syrup: Both work as natural sweeteners; use your favorite for an extra hint of flavor.
Vanilla extract: Brings lovely aromatic undertones and warmth to the loaf.
Cinnamon: A hint of spice rounds out all the sweet and nutty notes.
Baking soda: This helps the bread rise and become beautifully fluffy.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift so your Flourless Banana Bread doesn’t feel dense or heavy.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): For a bit of crunch or gooey bursts of chocolate, fold in your favorite mix-ins.

How to Make Flourless Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This extra step ensures your Flourless Banana Bread will lift cleanly out of the pan without sticking, and it also makes cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, mash up your ripe bananas until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are perfectly fine). Whisk in the eggs, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. You want a well-blended, creamy base—this is where the bread gets its natural moisture and wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt right into the wet mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly combined. Make sure not to overmix at this stage, just enough to incorporate all the dry bits so your Flourless Banana Bread stays light and tender.

Step 4: Fold in Optional Extras

If you’d like a little texture or chocolatey goodness, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. You can even split the batter and add mix-ins to just one half for a fun twist—customization is totally encouraged!

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to even out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen is pure joy! The bread is done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling time helps the bread firm up so every slice holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Flourless Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter a few extra walnuts, chocolate chips, or banana slices on top of each slice. A drizzle of nut butter or a dusting of cinnamon makes every bite look and taste extra-special.

Side Dishes

Flourless Banana Bread pairs perfectly with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a hearty breakfast. It’s also amazing with a hot cup of coffee or tea if you’re enjoying it as a mid-morning snack or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Flourless Banana Bread and layering it with yogurt and fruit in a parfait glass, or cut it into cubes and serve as part of a brunch platter. For a dreamy dessert, warm up a slice and top it with dairy-free ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bread has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs a little warm, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh and extra moist.

Freezing

Flourless Banana Bread freezes beautifully! After cooling, wrap slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last up to 3 months and makes for a great make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly for a hint of crispiness. Frozen slices can go straight into the toaster or be thawed overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Flourless Banana Bread nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap the peanut or almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. Just note that sunflower seed butter may turn your bread a bit green due to a reaction with baking soda, but it’s perfectly safe to eat.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if it’s underbaked or if there’s too much moisture from very large bananas. Be sure to check with a toothpick and let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Is Flourless Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free baking powder and baking soda. This recipe is naturally grain-free and works for those following a gluten-free diet.

What mix-ins work best with this recipe?

Both walnuts and chocolate chips are classic, but you can also try pecans, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking for more flavor and fun.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Bake them together, checking for doneness with a toothpick, as oven times may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Sharing Flourless Banana Bread with friends and family brings pure comfort and joy. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or packed up for a busy week ahead, this loaf is bound to be a favorite. Give it a try, experiment with your own mix-ins, and let this cozy, nourishing treat become a delicious new staple in your kitchen!

Kimberly