Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread

This Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread proves that making recipes healthier doesn't have to involve sacrifice.  This is so good it will become your go-to banana bread recipe. Even if you are not an expert baker, this is a recipe you can count on!

This recipe was originally published September 14, 2017.

Last Updated July 28, 2022

You Will Fall In Love with this Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread!

One of my favorite people in the world to cook for is my youngest son.

Of my three children, he is by far the least picky. And even if he doesn't love something, he does his best to keep in under wraps.

My other two kids are far less gentle with my feelings. They also resist trying anything new.

Christian, especially now that he is a little older, is very open to trying new things.

I have a banana bread recipe that I've been making for years. (It isn't my recipe, and it isn't healthy.)

It is, however, delicious. (But I'd argue that this Healthy Quinoa Flour Banana Bread holds its own against it.)

I try to make Christian muffins or bread at least once a month. If the other two don't like what I've made, I just freeze it in portions, and then he can just pull it out when he needs a snack.

Often when they head outdoors to play with their buddies, I'll get the urge to start baking. There is something about seeing my boys just be kids (like we used to be) rather than glued to electronics that makes me want to feed them.

I love being able to pull out something he loves, so I wasn't sure about trying to make a Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread.

This week, I was craving comfort food, and because this was one of the 200+ recipes that I have written but not tested, I decided to give it a try.

I held my breath as he tried it.

He paused for a minute and then asked, "Mom, did you put walnuts in this?"

As a rule, my kids don't love nuts. "Yes," I replied.

"It's really good. I guess I like walnuts more than I thought."

Score! This Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread is one I will make again and again. I love knowing I can give him a healthier banana bread that he will love!

Frequently Asked Questions for Healthy Quinoa Flour Banana Bread

Is quinoa flour good for baking?

Quinoa flour is an excellent option to include in gluten free baking. Toasted quinoa flour will add a rich nutty flavor to baked goods. However, it is important to note that you cannot simply substitute it for all purpose flour. I recommend using no more than 50% quinoa flour when baking.

How do you take the bitterness out of quinoa flour?

Toasting quinoa flour is a very easy way to remove the bitterness. You can read more about how to do it here.

Is quinoa flour healthy?

Yes! Quinoa flour is simply ground up quinoa and can be considered a wholesome baking option.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure that you bring the butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt to room temperature prior to baking.
• I used Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 flour for testing.
• Consider toasting the quinoa flour. It requires a bit of advanced planning but your efforts will be richly rewarded.

Variations for This Recipe

• Add in ½ cup chocolate chips.
• Use pecans in place of walnuts.
• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
• Add ½ cup shredded coconut.

Tools for Making Quinoa Banana Bread

• Loaf Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Toothpicks
• Wire Cooling Rack

If You Like Quinoa Banana Bread You May Also Like:

• Gluten Free Quinoa Bread
• Quinoa English Muffins
• Gluten Free Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion and Spinach Rolls with Quinoa Crust
• Hearty Quinoa Bread

Healthy Quinoa Flour Banana Bread

I've always leaned towards a savory breakfast, but I can't get enough of this Quinoa Flour Banana Bread! It is perfect for making ahead of time for those mornings when I have little time to spare. This Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread is light, tender, with all the flavors you expect. Serve this bread warm - leftovers can be gently reheated in a skillet, toaster, or the oven.

Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread

Looking for a healthy gluten free banana bread that your family will devour? This Quinoa Banana Bread is so delicious, no one will suspect it is better for you!

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 20 mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy

Keyword: healthy gluten free banana bread

Servings: 12

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter softened
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ⅓ cup coconut palm sugar or sugar of choice
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup gluten free flour blend
• ½ cup quinoa flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• ½ cup walnuts chopped (optional)
• 2 medium bananas mashed

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, applesauce, sugar and maple syrup.
• Blend in eggs, one at a time.
• Add vanilla and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine flours, baking soda and salt. Add to the wet mixture and blend completely.
• Add in Greek yogurt, walnuts and bananas and blend until smooth.
• Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
• Bake at 350 for 1 hour. You know it is done when a toothpick comes out clean. 
• Allow to cool for 15 minutes and then place on a wire rack to finish cooling. (That is unless your family is already begging you to cut it.)

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.8mg

 Other Gluten Free Quick Breads to Try:

• Gluten Free Zucchini Bread from Meaningful Eats
• Gluten Free Blueberry Bread from Sullivan Street Eats