A Delicious Gluten-Free Recipe for Banana Bars
Looking for a healthy, delicious and easy gluten-free recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste? Then you’ve come to the right place. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have spent years perfecting my gluten-free Banana Bars recipe so that you can enjoy a moist and easy-to-make treat that is both nutritious and satisfying.
These gluten-free Banana Bars are made with natural ingredients that are free from gluten, dairy, and are full of flavor. The smooth, creamy texture and almond flavor make them the perfect breakfast or dessert treat without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Whether you are following a gluten-free diet or just looking for an alternative to traditional banana bread bars, this is the recipe for you. So let’s get started and see how simple it is to create these delicious Gluten-Free Banana Bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love the taste of banana bread but avoid it because of its gluten content? Look no further than this delightful recipe for gluten-free banana bars. Not only is it packed with all the flavors you love from a traditional banana bread, but it’s also made with healthy, organic ingredients to ensure you’re fueling your body with the best.
Made with ripe bananas, gluten-free flour blend, and the perfect amount of sugar and spices, these bars are moist and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served as a breakfast treat or a dessert to cap off any meal.
What’s more, if you have dietary restrictions such as dairy-free or vegan diets, these bars can easily be adapted to meet your needs without sacrificing taste or texture. Simply swap out the egg with applesauce or substitute the honey for agave nectar – there are so many possibilities!
Trust me when I say that these gluten-free banana bars will become a staple in your household. You’ll appreciate how easy they are to make and how deliciously satisfying they taste. With a small investment in time, you can create this wholesome treat that will keep you fueled and happy throughout the day. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s loved by so many!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients list for these delectable gluten-free banana bars. Don’t worry, you can easily find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store or health food store.
For the Bars:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend contains it)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (if dairy-free, you can use almond milk or oat milk instead)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter (dairy-free option: use vegan butter)
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy-free option: use almond milk or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Note: If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, make sure to purchase certified gluten-free ingredients.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get started on making these gluten-free banana bars! This recipe is super easy to follow and will be ready to enjoy in no time. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the delicious end result.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or oil.
Mixing the Batter
- Begin by whisking together 1 cup gluten-free flour blend, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add 1/3 cup honey, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Next, slowly add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) into the wet ingredients (the banana mixture). Mix until just incorporated.
- If you prefer, toss in some optional mix-ins such as 1/2 cup chocolate chips or 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
Baking and Serving
- Pour your prepared batter into your greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar on top.
Enjoy these delicious and nutritious gluten-free banana bars as a tasty snack or dessert!
Substitutions and Variations
Mix it up! Variety is the spice of life, and there’s no reason why you can’t add your own twist to this gluten-free banana bars recipe. Consider these substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own:
– Chocolate chips: Instead of using regular chocolate chips, try using dark or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
– Nutty: Rather than using walnuts, you can substitute in other nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or even peanuts.
– Protein boost: Adding a scoop of protein powder to the recipe will give you an added protein boost in these delicious gluten-free banana bars.
– Dairy-free: To make these bars dairy-free, use almond milk instead of buttermilk and cream cheese frosting made with vegan cream cheese or coconut cream frosting.
– Vegan: For vegan banana bars, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use coconut oil instead of butter.
– Fruity: Want more fruity goodness? Add in some dried cranberries or raisins to this recipe.
Remember that when it comes to substitutions and variations, one small change can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once your gluten-free banana bars are baked and ready to serve, the possibilities for pairing and complementing them are endless. You can enjoy them as a quick, nutritious breakfast or a guilt-free dessert with a variety of tasty toppings.
For breakfast, I recommend pairing the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or almond butter, which will add a creamy texture and extra protein to start your day off right. The bars also go well with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries on top, which provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
If you’re serving the bars as a dessert, try adding frosting made from cream cheese and icing sugar, which provides an irresistible sweetness and compliments the banana flavor perfectly. Alternatively, you can drizzle maple syrup or agave nectar on top for a vegan-friendly option that will leave your taste buds dancing.
To take things up a notch, you can even try pairing these moist, easy gluten-free banana bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. The combination of warm baked goods and cold creamy toppings creates a decadent texture that’s sure to impress.
Whether it’s breakfast time or dessert time, these banana bread bars are versatile enough to complement any dish. So go ahead and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These gluten-free banana bars are perfect for a make-ahead snack or breakfast option. You can easily prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
When reheating these banana bars, I recommend using the microwave. Simply place the bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 10 to 15 seconds. Heating them for longer may cause them to dry out. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes if preferred.
Another tip for maintaining their freshness is to freeze any leftover bars. Just wrap each one individually with plastic wrap and then store them all together in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen banana bars can be reheated in the oven or microwave, just as described above — but take note that they will take longer to reheat from frozen.
If you’re planning to serve these banana bars at a party or gathering, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time and frost them before serving. These bars are delicious with a classic cream cheese frosting, or you could try something else like peanut butter icing or agave nectar drizzle.
With these storage and reheating tips, these gluten-free banana bars will be handy treats to have on hand whenever hunger strikes!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect gluten-free banana bars may seem daunting, but with just a few simple tips you’ll be able to create a dessert that is not only delicious, but healthy too!
Firstly, it’s important to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are sweet and soft, making them easier to mash and incorporate into the batter. This will also provide natural sweetness to the bars without having to add excess sugar.
Another tip is to measure your ingredients carefully. Gluten-free flour blends can be tricky when it comes to measuring, so it’s important to measure accurately to avoid any discrepancies in your recipe. Using standard measuring cups and spoons will ensure consistent results every time.
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, make sure to mix them well. Gluten-free flours can clump easily, so mix until there are no visible lumps in the batter. A smooth batter equals smooth baking and a more appetizing dessert.
While baking gluten-free goods, it’s important not to open the oven too often. Opening the oven door can cause the temperature inside the oven to fluctuate and can affect the texture of your bars. To avoid this problem, use a window on your oven door or wait until near the end of your baking time before checking on your bars.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions or variations in your recipe. Try swapping out dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or adding chopped walnuts for added texture.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create perfect gluten-free banana bars every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Gluten-Free Banana Bars are a must-try for anyone looking to add some variety and flavor to their snacking routine. These bars are simple, moist, and easy to make, as well as being vegan and dairy-free. With the right ingredients, this recipes can also be made flourless and low-calorie.
The versatility of this recipe allows for many substitutions and variations, so don’t hesitate to experiment with what ingredients you have available. You can even try frosting the banana bars with cream cheese frosting or adding some peanut butter or chocolate chips into the mix!
These Gluten-Free Banana Bars are perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or allergies, as well as those seeking a healthier snack option. The natural sweetness of the ripe bananas is complemented by the slight nuttiness of almond flour and walnuts, while the addition of vanilla adds a hint of warmth to every bite.
I hope that this recipe article has given you some inspiration for your next baking adventure. Remember to follow the tips and recommendations provided in this article for perfect results every time. Happy baking!
Gluten Free Banana Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup potato starch, plus
- 2 tablespoons potato starch
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (2 bananas)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Drizzle Topping
- 1/4 cup icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk or 2 teaspoons juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9 inch square pan with shortening or spray with vegetable oil spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your mixer, beat together the mashed banana and both sugars until blended.
- Add the buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla. Beat well.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until just blended (do not beat!)Fold in the nuts.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven and keep the cake in the pan.
- Stir together the icing sugar and liquid until just thick enough to drizzle well.
- Drizzle in a zigzag pattern over the cooling cake.
- When cold, cut the cake into 12 bars.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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