Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread - Preparing from Scratch

      Banana bread is a perennial favorite, but this caramelized variation stands out as one of our finest creations. Consider it a breakfast rendition of Bananas Foster. Topped with golden Caramelized Banana halves and infused with a touch of cinnamon, this loaf elevates banana to new heights of sweetness. Thanks to Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, this quick bread has become a gluten-free delight.

      Yields 1 (8½x4½-inch) loaf

      - 1⅔ cups (246 grams) Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

      - ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda

      - ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt

      - ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking powder

      - 1⅛ cups (255 grams) mashed ripe banana (approximately 3 medium bananas)

      - ¾ cup (165 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

      - ⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons (86 grams) unsalted butter, melted

      - ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream, at room temperature

      - 2 large eggs (100 grams), at room temperature

      - 1 teaspoon (4 grams) vanilla extract

      - ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon

      - Caramelized Banana (recipe below)

      - Softened butter, for serving

      Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C). Lightly spray an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing the excess to hang over the sides. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder by whisking together. In a large bowl, mix the mashed banana, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon using a whisk. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and arrange the Caramelized Banana halves, cut sides up, on top. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, which should take about 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Using the parchment paper as handles, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with softened butter.

      Tell us how it turned out!

      Caramelized Banana

      Yields 2 banana halves

      - 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

      - 2 tablespoons (28 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

      - 1 medium banana (124 grams), halved lengthwise

      In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Gently press the brown sugar onto each cut side of the banana. Place the banana halves, cut side down, in the skillet; cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip them and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.

      Tell us how it turned out!

      Caramelized Banana Essentials

      The remarkable secret to our banana bread is the Caramelized Banana. We’ll guide you through preparing this luscious topping.

      Unlike the overripe bananas used in the batter, the banana for this topping should be ripe yet firm so it can be easily sliced without breaking apart when cooked. Choose a banana that is neither green nor has brown spots. Using a sharp paring knife, slice the banana lengthwise.

      Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. The butter serves as a smooth basting liquid that helps poach the banana halves and prevents them from sticking.

      Gently press brown sugar onto each cut side of the banana. Applying the brown sugar directly to the banana halves, rather than melting it with the butter, ensures optimal caramelization. Instead of being coated in a caramel sauce, the bananas are seared with the brown sugar for a brûléed effect.

      Place the banana halves, cut side down, in the skillet; cook until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn them over gently and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until needed. Don't rush the caramelization process; each minute of cooking creates a beautiful golden crust on the banana halves. Once the cut side is caramelized, flip them over for a quick caramel soak and sear. When cooking is finished, your banana halves can wait until the batter is ready.

      Place the Caramelized Banana, cut sides up, on top of the batter.