Coconut Flour Banana Bread is a tasty, gluten-free twist on a classic favorite. It’s soft, naturally sweet from ripe bananas, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. This easy recipe comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with that warm, cozy banana bread aroma—just with a healthier spin.
Why We Love This Coconut Flour Banana Bread Recipe
One of the standout features of Coconut Flour Banana Bread is its simplicity. It aligns perfectly with busy lifestyles as it requires minimal ingredients and steps. You probably have most, if not all, the ingredients in your pantry right now! The blend of ripe bananas and coconut flour allows you to enjoy a delicious treat without guilt. Not only does this flour add flavor, but it also contributes significantly to the nutritional value of the bread.
Moreover, this banana bread is free from gluten and can be made allergen-friendly based on your choice of nut butter. When you bite into this warm loaf, you’ll find a rich, creamy texture that is hard not to love. It serves not only as a wholesome snack but can easily be paired with a cup of tea or coffee, making it versatile for any occasion.
Whether you are experimenting in the kitchen or preparing a wholesome treat for your family, this Coconut Flour Banana Bread recipe is certain to impress. Now, let’s not waste any more time and get into the details!
Ingredients for Coconut Flour Banana Bread
To whip up this delightful Coconut Flour Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 medium very ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted nut butter (e.g., peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- Cooking spray
How to Make Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Making Coconut Flour Banana Bread is as easy as it gets. In just a few steps, you’ll have a loaf of soft, delicious bread ready to be devoured. Here’s how you can make it:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial to start with a preheated oven so that the bread can rise perfectly.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Take a 9 x 5 loaf pan and line it with unbleached parchment paper. After lining, spray it lightly with cooking spray. This helps in ensuring that your banana bread doesn’t stick, making it easier to slice when cooled.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, grab your four ripe bananas. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the bananas until they’re smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
- Mix in the Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the two large eggs, 1/2 cup of your chosen nut butter, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Next, sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they’re nicely blended.
- Add Coconut Flour: Now it’s time to add 1/2 cup of coconut flour to your mixture. Stir well! Coconut flour works differently than regular flour, so ensure it’s mixed in evenly to avoid any clumps.
- Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for around 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Once done, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After cooling, gently transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice your Coconut Flour Banana Bread into ten delicious pieces. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Coconut Flour Banana Bread isn’t just great on its own; you can serve it in various delightful ways! If you’re hosting guests or looking for a comforting snack, here are a few suggestions:
- Classic Slice: Serve slices as they are for a delicious, wholesome treat. The natural sweetness from the bananas means you won’t need to add any additional sugar.
- With Nut Butter: Spread a layer of your favorite nut butter on top for extra flavor and a protein boost. Almond, cashew, or additional peanut butter work great!
- Toast it Up: For an extra crispy texture, toast a slice in your toaster or on a skillet. The subtle crunch enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
- Accompany with Berries: Pair slices of banana bread with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on the side to add a refreshing contrast.
- Breakfast Delight: Crumble or slice the bread over yogurt for a tasty breakfast parfait that combines creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Elevate your experience by mixing some cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkling it on top just before serving for a little extra sweetness.
Expert Tips for Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Getting the perfect Coconut Flour Banana Bread may require a few tips to set you on the right path. Here are some expert suggestions to help achieve excellent results:
- Choose the Right Bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This means they are sweeter and more flavorful, yielding better results.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the coconut flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so gentle stirring is key.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven has its nuances; check your bread a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Remember that bread continues to cook from residual heat, so don’t worry if it seems slightly underdone as it cools.
- Add-ins for Variety: Get creative and enhance your bread by adding nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips before pouring the batter into the loaf pan. These additions can provide delightful textures and flavors.
- Practice Patience: Allow for proper cooling time. This step helps the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier.
How to Store Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Once you’ve baked your delicious Coconut Flour Banana Bread, you might wonder about storing it. Proper storage will keep it fresh, ensuring you can enjoy it for days to come. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Store the completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life, consider placing it in the refrigerator. In this way, it can last up to a week. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the banana bread. After wrapping each slice in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a warm snack.
Variations of Coconut Flour Banana Bread
While Coconut Flour Banana Bread is fantastic on its own, you can personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Nut-Free Version: If you’re allergic or prefer not to use nut butter, substitute with sunflower seed butter or coconut oil for a nut-free twist.
- Spiced Up: For added warmth and flavor, integrate spices like nutmeg or ginger into the batter.
- Add Zest: Incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a zesty kick that brightens up the sweetness of the bananas.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Fold in some dark chocolate chips for a rich indulgence. It adds depth and works beautifully with the banana flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Throw in some unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and coconut flavor.
FAQ About Coconut Flour Banana Bread
What makes coconut flour different from regular flour?
Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour, so you will need to adjust the quantity of liquid in your recipes when making substitutions. This makes it perfect for gluten-free baking.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas can be used. Just make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before mashing.
Is Coconut Flour Banana Bread suitable for vegan diets?
You can make this banana bread vegan by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or a vegan egg replacer.
How can I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the quantities to make two loaves. Just adjust your baking time as needed.
Coconut Flour Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium very ripe bananas The riper, the sweeter.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted nut butter e.g., peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut flour Works differently than regular flour.
- Cooking spray For greasing the pan.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with unbleached parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 4 very ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of nut butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until blended.
- Add 1/2 cup of coconut flour and mix until evenly incorporated.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Remove from oven and cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread into 10 pieces.