Gluten Free Banana Ginger Bread

This isn’t your average banana bread! This Gluten-Free Banana Ginger Bread is a twist on a classic favorite. With a spicy kick from ginger, freshly grated apples, cardamom, and a hint of lemon juice,  featuring heart-healthy olive oil, nutrient-rich millet flour, almond flour, and ripe bananas. This banana bread is dairy-free and no added sweeteners are required. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make.

A Fresh Ginger Flavor For Gluten Free Banana Loaf

The sweetness of ripe bananas blends beautifully with a unique combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, creating a flavor that sets this loaf apart from the rest.

Discover a New Favorite

You may have tried some of our gluten-free banana bread recipes—like the Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Bread , the Gluten Free Marbled Banana Bread, or my personal favorite, the Gluten Free One Bowl Zucchini Banana Flax Bread.

Or, if you love chocolate and want to avoid grains, you may enjoy this Grain-Free Coconut Flour Banana Bread With Chocolate Chips. All four are delicious, but none compare to this ginger-infused variation. 

What Is Crystallized Ginger?

Have you ever tasted the sweet and spicy flavor of crystallized ginger? This tasty ingredient adds a unique twist to gluten-free baking. Crystallized ginger is made from fresh ginger root that’s cooked in sugar syrup and then coated with sugar crystals. This process results in a chewy texture and a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor.

Gluten-Free 

The good news is that crystallized ginger is naturally gluten-free! However, it’s essential to check the packaging or consult the manufacturer to ensure there are no cross-contamination risks during production. Alternatively, you can make it yourself.

Health Benefits to Enjoy

In addition to its deliciousness, crystallized ginger offers several health benefits. According to Spice World, ginger is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. It also aids digestion and can relieve nausea, making it a fantastic addition to your baking and overall diet!

How to Make Crystallized Ginger

• Ingredients: Fresh ginger root, granulated sugar, water.
• Preparation: Peel and slice the fresh ginger into thin pieces. Blanch the slices in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Strain the water and repeat the blanching process two more times.
• Cooking: Cook the ginger slices in a mixture of equal parts sugar and water until they become translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature.
• Finishing Touches: Toss each piece of ginger in granulated sugar. Let them dry on parchment paper or a wire rack overnight.

4 Reasons to Add Apples to Gluten-Free Banana Bread

1. Enhance Taste and Texture: Adding apples intensifies flavor and adds extra moisture to gluten-free banana bread.
2. Natural Binders: Apples help bind ingredients in gluten-free recipes, compensating for the lack of wheat flour. This is especially important since gluten-free flours can lead to drier baked goods.
3. Smooth Blending: Grate fresh apples to ensure they keep the texture smooth and tender. Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors—Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisps provide sweetness.
4. Nutritious and Practical: Incorporating apples makes gluten-free banana ginger bread more nutritious and flavorful. It’s also a great way to use up any bruised fruit you may have on hand!

The Importance of Ripe Bananas in Banana Bread Recipe

Natural Sweetness and Texture:

Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer than unripe ones, making them easier to mash and keeping the batter smooth. And their natural sweetness cuts back on added sugars.

Enhanced Flavor:

As bananas ripen, their starch converts to sugar, intensifying their flavor. This adds a subtle sweetness that complements other ingredients like ginger, apples, and lemons.

Moisture for a Perfect Loaf:

Using ripe bananas keeps gluten-free banana ginger loaf with apples moist, since ripe bananas contain more moisture than unripe ones, helping to prevent dry or crumbly baked gluten-free goods.

3 Quick Methods for Ripening Bananas

1. Use a Brown Paper Bag
   • Place unripe bananas in a brown paper bag along with an apple or tomato. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Leave the bag at room temperature for 24-48 hours until the bananas are fully ripe.
2. Bake for Quick Ripening
   • If you’re in a hurry, bake unripe bananas in their skin in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method softens the bananas and enhances their natural sweetness.
3. Microwave Method
   • For a rapid solution, pierce the peel of the bananas with a fork or sharp knife in several spots on all sides. Microwave on high power for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes per banana. Be cautious not to overdo it, as this may cause the bananas to explode!

Choosing the Right Fat for Gluten-Free Baking

Using the right fat is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in gluten-free baked goods. When it comes to gluten-free banana bread, olive oil and butter are two popular options.

Olive Oil: A Healthier Alternative

• Olive oil is increasingly favored as a healthier substitute for butter, and acceptable for dairy-free diet.
• As per University of California, it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
• In baking, olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and depth, enhancing the flavor of banana ginger loaf.

Butter: Rich Flavor and Texture

• Butter is known for its rich flavor and ability to create a tender, moist crumb.
• However, it contains saturated fats, which can contribute to higher cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.

3 Alternatives to Xanthan Gum in Gluten-Free Baking

Xanthan gum is commonly used in gluten-free baking for its binding properties, providing dough and batter with necessary viscosity and elasticity. However, some prefer to avoid it due to potential digestive issues.

Here are several alternatives for your banana bread:

1. Psyllium Husk: Use one teaspoon of whole psyllium husk (not powder) mixed with two tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency, then add it to your batter.
2. Chia Seeds: Soak one tablespoon of chia seeds in three tablespoons of water until it becomes gooey. Add this mixture to banana bread batter for binding.
3. Flaxseed Meal: Mix flaxseed meal with water at a 1:3 ratio to create an egg-like substitute. This helps provide structure and texture without xanthan gum.

Recipe Review: Delicious and Nutritious Gluten-Free Ginger Banana Loaf

Gluten-free ginger banana loaf with apples is a tasty alternative to traditional banana bread, perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or have dietary restrictions. Using ripe bananas ensures a sweet and moist texture while providing valuable nutrients. Crystallized ginger adds a spicy kick, and apples contribute moisture and sweetness.

For added health benefits, this recipe is made with olive oil keeping it also dairy-free. If you don’t have xanthan gum, substitutes like ground chia seeds, flaxseeds, or psyllium husks work well. You can enjoy slices of banana bread with nut butter, jam, or chocolate spread for an extra delicious treat. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this nutritious loaf!

Do you need more recipes made with bananas? Here is our complete list of gluten free recipes made with bananas, including our Banana Mousse With Strawberry Chocolate Sauce.

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Kristina xx