Easy Gluten-free Banana Bread

Easy Gluten-Free Banana Bread with Crystallized Ginger

Sure enough, it was pretty easy.  This is a combination of the gluten-free, dairy-free recipe from https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com, while https://kickassbaker.com/ suggested adding the crystallized ginger (and also chocolate chips – maybe next time).

Ingredients:

2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
80g (1/3 cup) melted unsalted butter (or vegan spread such as Earth Balance or coconut oil)
150g (¾ cup) organic sugar
Good pinch of salt
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 tsp vanilla extract
185g (1½ cups) gluten-free flour mix
80g (1/3 cup) crystallized ginger, chopped
½ tsp xanthum gum

Optional:  150g (4-6 oz) dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method:

  1. Set out all ingredients so that they are at room temperature before starting.

  2. Measure out the flour, xanthum gum, ginger, and optional chocolate chunks; mix well.

  3. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. I use my Ninja countertop oven at 325°/165°C.

  4. Spray a 4” x 8” (10cm x 20cm) loaf pan with cooking spray.

  5. In a mixing bowl, slice the bananas then beat with a power beater until smooth.

  6. Add the baking soda and baking powder to the mashed bananas, then stir in the melted butter (or vegan spread).

  7. Stir in the sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  8. Mix in the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, ginger and optional chocolate chunks with a light hand; do not overbeat.

  9. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a butter knife.

  10. Bake on the center rack for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. [If using the ninja oven, start testing at 45 minutes.]

  11. Cool the loaf in the pan on a wire track for ten minutes. Then invert the bread onto the wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into slices.

  12. Wrap the load tightly with plastic wrap to store at room temperature for up to four days. Loaf or slices can also be frozen for up to three months;  thaw to room temperature, the warm in the microwave for 30 seconds – or toast before slathering with butter.