Almond Flour Banana Bread

Looking for a nutritious twist on classic banana bread? This almond flour banana bread is sweetened with maple syrup and ripe bananas and comes together with finely ground almond flour for a gluten-free banana bread alternative!

I love a good banana bread but even better if it’s also good for you! Almond flour is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a grain-free, low carb alternative or just to up the nutrients in your baking. It’s a great source of healthy fats as well as vitamins and minerals. Yes, this means you can enjoy this almond flour banana bread recipe without the guilt! It also tastes delicious.

I’ve been baking with almond flour for years so I feel like I have the ratios down. You can trust that this recipe has been tried and tested and will hold up against any traditional banana bread recipe. You’ll just have to try it yourself!

Why Make This Recipe?

• Low Carb – this recipe is low carb by swapping almond flour for regular flour. It technically isn’t a paleo banana bread because of the added maple syrup and chocolate chips but I find they’re both necessary additions to make sure this recipe is delicious!
• Simple Ingredients – other than the almond flour this recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
• One Bowl – The entire recipe can be prepped in one bowl! Minimal dish clean up required!
• Easy Meal Prep – You can prep this banana bread with almond flour in advance and freeze slices so you can have a snack on the go.

Ingredients Needed

• Almond flour – note that almond flour is different from almond meal! This recipe requires almond flour which is made from blanched almonds. I like the finely ground almond flour from Bob’s Red Mill.
• Baking powder + Baking Soda – for rise.
• Cinnamon – is it really banana bread without cinnamon? Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger if you’d like!
• Salt – this helps to amplify the sweetness but feel free to omit if watching sodium levels
• Bananas – make sure they are VERY ripe. Ideally heavily spotted or brown.
• Maple syrup – Sweetener of choice. You can replace this with honey, if desired.
• Eggs – 3 large eggs. You’re using more eggs as almond flour is super absorbent.
• Pure Vanilla extract – you can replace this with almond extract, if preferred.
• Chocolate chips – use dairy-free chocolate chips if desired. Feel free to omit but chocolate + banana bread is always a good idea.

How to Make Almond Flour Banana Bread

STEP 1: MIX DRY INGREDIENTS

In a large mixing bowl whisk together almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt.

STEP 2: STIR IN WET INGREDIENTS

Add in the mash bananas, maple syrup, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir to combine well. Fold in chocolate chips, if desired.

STEP 3: BAKE BANANA BREAD

Pour batter into loaf pan and bake on center rack for 50-60 mins. Test using a toothpick and if it comes out clean, loaf is done. Allow to cool in pan for 20 minutes and then remove to cool completely on a wire rack.

Easy Swaps + Substitutions

• Sub in nuts – not a fan of chocolate chips? Feel free to sub in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Bake as muffins – Prefer to enjoy almond flour muffins? Just line a muffin tin and divide batter evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops spring back and they pass the toothpick test.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract – want an extra dose of almond flavor? Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract
• DO NOT SWAP FLOURS – I know it’s tempting to try this with another flour but I encourage you not to! Almond flour is very finicky and requires the perfect measurement of ingredients so please be sure to use almond flour and not a different type of flour (including almond meal!)

Storage + Freezing

For storage: To maintain flavor and texture I recommend wrapping in tinfoil and storing on counter for 2-3 days. For longer storage keep in the refrigerator.

To Freeze: Cut into individual slices. Place a sheet of parchment paper between each slice and then store in a ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. You could also freeze the whole loaf, if desired by wrapping the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then in a layer of tinfoil.

More Delicious Bread Recipes

• Best Ever Banana Bread [Gluten-Free + Vegan]
• Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf
• Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Loaf
• Zucchini Banana Bread
• Sweet Potato Cornbread

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