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A sliced loaf of freshly baked banana and almond meal bread on a wooden board, surrounded by whole almonds, a fresh banana, and a recipe card.

banana and almond meal bread

A deeply caramelized, perfectly moist bake. This banana and almond meal bread is the ultimate foolproof, naturally gluten-free dessert or breakfast loaf.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large overripe bananas heavily speckled or black
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.25 cup neutral oil avocado or melted coconut
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups almond meal finely ground
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda ensure it is fresh
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder aluminum-free
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Peel and vigorously mash the bananas in a large bowl. Breaking down the fruit completely ensures the natural sugars distribute evenly, preventing heavy, gummy pockets.
  2. Add the room temperature eggs, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed fruit. Whisk vigorously until entirely homogenous. Cold eggs will cause the coconut oil to seize, ruining the crumb structure.
  3. Sprinkle the almond meal, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a silicone spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Over-mixing extracts excess oils, making the bread dense.
  4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 45-55 minutes. Check at the 35-minute mark; if browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Nut flours burn much faster than wheat flours.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the loaf sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment to lift it onto a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Slicing too soon releases trapped steam, causing it to crumble.