Baking banana bread was one of the first things I ever attempted as a complete kitchen novice. I remember standing in my tiny apartment kitchen with overripe bananas and no clue what I was doing. But something magical happened—out of my oven came the most fragrant, golden loaf that gave me confidence and comfort. That’s the thing about banana bread: it’s forgiving, deeply satisfying, and a perfect place to start if you’re new to baking.
This Almond Flour Banana Bread recipe takes that beginner-friendly concept and makes it even better. It’s naturally gluten-free, subtly sweet, and full of wholesome ingredients. With just one bowl, no mixer, and straightforward steps, this easy sheet pan dinner alternative (for breakfast or snack time!) is the kind of quick and healthy meal that you’ll come back to again and again.

Why This Recipe is Special
Unlike traditional banana bread made with white flour and sugar, this version uses almond flour for a nutty flavor and moist texture. It’s sweetened naturally with maple syrup and loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients that make it feel more like fuel than dessert—though it certainly tastes indulgent.
This recipe is great for anyone who wants a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for those looking for a Almond Flour Banana Bread in their baking routine, minus the chicken. Plus, it’s highly customizable and stores beautifully, making it an ideal go-to for busy families or solo snackers alike.
Ingredients and Preparation
Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. They’re the heart of the recipe and act as a natural sweetener and binder.
Eggs – Help provide structure and moisture. Room-temperature eggs blend better, giving the bread a more even texture.
Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Honey works well too for a slightly different profile.
Coconut Oil – Adds richness and keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with butter for a creamier taste or avocado oil for a more neutral finish.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors. Almond extract is another fun variation that ties in with the almond flour.
Almond Flour – The main dry ingredient. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and gives the bread a lovely, tender crumb.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, which complements the bananas perfectly.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These leavening agents help the bread rise and stay light, not dense.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Optional Add-ins – Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins can elevate the flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a loaf pan (9×5-inch) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until no large chunks remain. Add the eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Step 3: Add the almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon just until the mixture is fully combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep the bread tender.
Step 4: Fold in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts. This step is totally flexible depending on your preference.
Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.

Beginner Tips and Notes
- Bananas not ripe enough? You can speed-ripen them by placing them in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes until the skins blacken.
- Bread browning too fast? Lightly cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking.
- No almond flour? You can substitute with oat flour for a similar texture, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- No loaf pan? Use a muffin tin and reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes for quick banana muffins.
Serving Suggestions
This Almond Flour Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, or a pat of butter straight out of the fridge. For a more indulgent twist, add a light smear of dark chocolate spread.
Great sides for brunch: Serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie to balance the richness.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also slice and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight or reheat in the toaster oven.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a reliable go-to recipe, this Almond Flour Banana Bread delivers on flavor, health, and simplicity. It’s one of those quick and healthy meals that feels like a treat but fits right into a balanced lifestyle. Give it a try, play with the add-ins, and let me know how it turns out for you in the comments—I’d love to hear your twist on this easy sheet pan dinner of the baking world!
FAQ About Almond Flour Banana Bread
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
No, almond flour has different properties than regular flour and absorbs moisture differently. For best results, stick with almond flour or try oat flour as a substitute.
Q2: How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the bread is done.
Q3: Can I freeze almond flour banana bread?
Yes! Let the bread cool completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
More Relevant Recipes
- Moist Banana Bread Recipe
- Vegan Banana Bread (Easy + Healthy)
- Chocolate Banana Bread (Gluten Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar Free).

Almond Flour Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A beginner-friendly almond flour banana bread recipe that’s moist, naturally sweetened, and gluten-free. Perfect for a quick and healthy snack or breakfast, this loaf is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and comes together in just one bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (can substitute with butter or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup optional add-ins (chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or raisins)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Add almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated.
- Gently fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- To ripen bananas quickly, bake them at 300°F for 15 minutes until skins blacken.
- If the top browns too fast during baking, cover loosely with foil halfway through.
- No almond flour? Try oat flour as a substitute for a slightly different texture.
- Turn this recipe into muffins by using a muffin tin and baking for 20–25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 121mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6g
- Trans Fat: 0.002g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 22mg