Gluten Free Walnut Crumble Banana Bread

Soft and moist gluten free banana bread is topped with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon walnut crumble to make this delicious Gluten Free Walnut Crumble Banana Bread. Made without gluten, dairy, or refined sugar, this banana loaf is the perfect addition to breakfast, snack, or for a healthy dessert.

I may not have gone to culinary school, but I baked a loaf of banana bread almost every single week of quarantine during the start of the pandemic. So, I think that qualifies me as a banana bread expert. This banana bread crumble is by far my favorite banana bread recipe I've made and I dream about it year round! It truly is the perfect recipe, so try it and let me know if you agree.

What Makes This Gluten Free Banana Bread Special

• A delicious twist on a classic: a slice of soft and fluffy banana bread that is perfectly sweetened is hard to beat, but as the self-proclaimed queen of crumbles, I knew that adding a delicious crumb topping to classic banana bread would take it to the next level. The soft and crunchy combo is magnificent and this recipe is made with the perfect crunchy, walnut streusel topping.
• Allergy friendly-ish: this banana nut bread recipe is gluten free, dairy free, corn free, and refined sugar free. Although she does contain walnuts, so this recipe isn't appropriate for those with nut allergies, it is perfect for anyone with Celiac disease, a gluten allergy, or issues with dairy. If you're looking for an even more allergy friendly option, check out my Paleo Banana Bread recipe.
• Healthier: besides being mostly allergy friendly, this gluten free banana walnut bread contains a fraction of the sugar of most banana bread recipes. We rely heavily on the natural sweetness of bananas for a healthier and lower glycemic index treat that is packed with potassium and fiber. This recipe also calls for heart healthy olive oil as the main fat and half of the overall fat is replaced with applesauce for a lower fat, healthy banana bread recipe.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Walnut Crumble Banana Bread

• Bananas: the riper the better- we are talking overripe bananas with lots of black spots! The more black spots, the riper and sweeter the bananas meaning a stronger banana flavor. Top tip: don't throw away overly overly ripe bananas, freeze them then thaw when you want to make a banana treat!
• Eggs: 2 large eggs.
• Olive oil: this heart healthy oil provides a light and tender crumb for the perfect end result.
• Applesauce: this is used to replace some of the fat in the recipe while keeping a moist crumb. You can't taste it at all, don't worry!
• Maple syrup: a refined sugar free sweetener that compliments the bananas and walnuts perfectly. We only use ¼ cup for the perfect amount of sweetness. Be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup.
• Gluten free flour: be sure to use an 1:1 gluten free all purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for best results.
• Tigernut flour: this is an alternative to almond flour for those with almond allergies, but you can also use almond flour. It provides a nutty sweetness to the banana bread without the need for added sugar.
• Walnuts: chopped walnuts are used in the crumble topping for just the right amount of crunch!
• Coconut oil or butter: this holds the crumbly streusel topping together.
• Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla extract: opt for a corn and aluminum free baking powder like the one I have linked and don't forget the cinnamon for the perfect cinnamon crumb topping!

How to Make Gluten Free Banana Bread Crumble

• Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add the eggs, oil, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until combined.
• Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined.
• Pour the banana bread batter into the lined loaf pan and set aside while you make the topping.
• Combine all walnut topping ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Crumble the walnut streusel evenly over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until the top of the banana bread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the loaf.
• Let the banana crumble bread cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.
• I find that the longer you can wait to slice into it (even overnight), the better it tastes. This lets the flavors really develop.

Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil: you can try using melted coconut oil or (dairy free) butter. Keep in mind that the loaf may end up being a little more dense.
• Applesauce: you can also use (dairy free) yogurt. This will add a bit more fat but still yield a moist banana bread recipe!
• Maple syrup: you can also try using agave syrup. I have not tested honey or coconut sugar, but I suggest sticking to a liquid sweetener as that is how this recipe is written.
• Flours: you can use almond flour in place of the tigernut flour.
• Variations: add chocolate chips or extra walnuts to the batter itself. You could even try adding extra chocolate chips to the walnut streusel. Make a cinnamon swirl banana bread base by swirling a couple tablespoons of cinnamon sugar throughout before adding the walnut crumble. 

How to Make the Best Gluten Free Banana Bread

• Mash bananas well. For any banana bread recipe, you want to make sure to use well mashed bananas. This helps distribute the banana flavor throughout the batter (and bite!), so you don't just end up with clumps of banana in only certain parts of the finished product.
• Measure flour correctly. Gluten-free baking can sometimes be a miss, leaving your baked goods dry or rubbery. This is often because you used too much flour. The best way to measure flour is to scoop it into your measuring cup with a spoon then level it off. This ensures it's not packed and you don't end up with too much flour, resulting in dry baked goods.
• Don't over mix the batter! Over mixing, especially with gluten free baking, can result in a dense and gummy texture. You want to mix the flour into the wet ingredients until it's just combined.
• Don't over bake. Gluten free baked goods dry out quickly, so you don't want to over bake this banana bread crumble. You want a tooth pick inserted in the center of the loaf to come out with a few crumbs on it and the top to spring back when pressed gently.
• Let the banana bread sit. This is the hardest part, but I find that if you can let the cooked banana bread sit overnight without cutting it, it allows the flavors to develop further for an even more delicious slice!

How to Serve and Store This Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

This bread tastes amazing warmed up, so warm slightly in the oven or microwave then top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're feeling frisky! Alternatively, it pairs great with a morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.

You can store this walnut crumble banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or pop it in the fridge for up to 5. This bread also freezes nicely. Just wrap individual slices with plastic wrap. Place in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.

FAQ

More Delicious Banana Recipes

Gluten Free Fudgy Chocolate Banana Bread

Gluten Free Protein Banana Muffins

Gluten Free Chocolate Walnut Banana Muffins

Paleo Banana Bread

Paleo Banana Chocolate Chips Bars

If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and review. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to comment below!