🍌 Craving a healthy twist on classic banana bread? This gluten-free almond butter banana bread is high in fiber, naturally sweetened, and absolutely delicious! Developed by our Registered Dietitians in Saskatoon, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Unlike traditional banana bread, this recipe features oat flour for a fiber-rich, gluten-free alternative and almond butter for a boost of protein and healthy fats. Plus, it’s refined sugar-free, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet, looking for a healthier homemade banana bread, or simply craving a wholesome treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Gluten-Free & Nutritious – Made with fiber-rich oat flour and protein-packed almond butter.

✔️ Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar; just ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup!

✔️ Easy to Make – One blender, one loaf pan, and a few simple ingredients.

✔️ Dietitian-Approved – A balanced snack recommended by our nutritionists in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Gluten-Free Almond Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups (160g) gluten-free oats*

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 3 small or 2 large (300g) ripe bananas**

• ⅓ cup (85g) almond butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter, olive oil, or coconut oil

• ¼ cup (80g) maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, or chopped walnuts

_{*we recommend weighing the oats for the most accurate measurement
** if your bananas aren't that ripe, consider adding an extra 2 tbsp of maple syrup or honey}

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blitz the oats in a blender with the cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to create a homemade oat flour.

3. Add bananas, almond butter, eggs, melted butter (or oil), maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the blender.

4. Blend until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

5. Remove the blade and stir in your mix-ins of choice. We chopped up a bar of dark chocolate!

6. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter.

7. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Let the loaf cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

9. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

10. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition Information

Approximately 215 calories, 11g fat, 28g carbohydrate, 3g fibre, and 5g protein per slice.

Dietitian Tips for the Best Banana Bread

👌🏼 Weigh Your Ingredients: For the most accuracy, weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale. Weighing the oats is especially important! The volume of oats tends to differ based on the type of oat used. 

🥜 Nut-Free Option: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.

🍯 Extra Sweetness: If your bananas aren't very ripe, add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.

🍞 Storage Tip: Freeze sliced banana bread for up to 3 months in an airtight container!

🍳 Add Protein: If you are looking for a blood sugar supportive, filling breakfast or snack then consider adding a protein source. For example, serves this banana bread with a generous scoop of plain Greek yogurt. Alternatively, have some cottage cheese or hard-boiled eggs on the side! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my banana bread dense and not fluffy? This banana bread is naturally denser due to the oat flour and almond butter. However, overmixing the batter can also make it too heavy. Blend only until the ingredients are combined to avoid over-mixing.

Is banana bread a healthy breakfast option? Our Registered Dietitians recommend adding a source of protein to the meal if enjoying the banana bread for breakfast. For example, serve it with a generous serving of Greek yogurt or alongside a couple of hardboiled eggs or cottage cheese.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free? Yes! This recipe uses oats instead of wheat flour making it gluten-free. However, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

How can I make banana bread dairy-free? Simply swap the butter for olive oil or melted coconut oil to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mashing.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe? The best bananas for banana bread are overripe with brown spots or fully black on the peel. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until soft and darkened. Alternatively, add 1-2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup to the recipe to increase the sweetness!

More Healthy Recipes to Try

Looking for more gluten-free and dietitian-approved recipes? Try these next:

🥞 Healthy Oat Flour Protein Pancakes – A protein-packed breakfast option!

🍪 Protein Cookies – Naturally sweetened and gluten-free.

🎃Pumpkin Spice Blender Muffins – Easy snack idea!

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?

📸 If you try this gluten-free almond butter banana bread, snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @vitalitynutrition_! We love seeing your creations.

For more nutritionist-approved recipes or personalized nutrition planning visit Vitality Nutrition—your trusted dietitians in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.