Bananas are one of nature’s most versatile and delicious fruits. They bring natural sweetness, moisture, and nutrition to any dish, making them perfect for a wide range of recipes.
For those following a vegan and gluten-free lifestyle, bananas can be a game changer in the kitchen, providing a natural binder and flavor enhancer without the need for eggs or gluten-containing flours.
Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a satisfying breakfast, or a delightful dessert, banana-based recipes can fit the bill perfectly.
In this post, we’ll explore several fantastic vegan gluten-free banana recipes that are easy to prepare, wholesome, and utterly delicious. From moist muffins to creamy smoothies and hearty pancakes, these recipes show just how versatile bananas can be.
Plus, they’re all free from animal products and gluten, making them perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These banana recipes are a celebration of simplicity and nutrition. Using bananas as the star ingredient means you get natural sweetness and moisture without added sugars or fats.
The vegan and gluten-free nature of these recipes makes them accessible to many people with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Additionally, these recipes are quick to make, requiring common kitchen ingredients and minimal prep time. You’ll enjoy the comforting flavors and satisfying textures that bananas bring, while nourishing your body with fiber, potassium, and essential vitamins.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture)
- Gluten-free flour blend (such as rice flour, almond flour, or oat flour)
- Baking soda or baking powder (ensure gluten-free)
- Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar for natural sweetness
- Coconut oil or other neutral oil
- Vanilla extract
- Chia seeds or flax seeds (for egg replacement)
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips, cinnamon, nutmeg, shredded coconut
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or spoon
- Baking pans (muffin tin, loaf pan, or skillet for pancakes)
- Oven or stovetop
- Cooling rack
- Blender (optional, for smoothies)
Instructions
Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Muffins
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- Prepare egg substitute: Combine 2 tablespoons chia seeds with 6 tablespoons water, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
- Add the chia gel, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the bananas. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in optional add-ins like 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Banana Pancakes (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Mix 1 cup gluten-free flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl.
- Mash 2 ripe bananas in a separate bowl and whisk in 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil.
- Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just mixed.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Creamy Banana Smoothie (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Combine 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“For the best banana flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black. They mash easily and add intense sweetness without needing extra sugar.”
- Banana Substitutions: Overripe plantains can be a fun alternative for a slightly different flavor.
- Flour Options: Almond flour adds richness and moisture, while oat flour gives a mild, nutty flavor. Be sure all are certified gluten-free.
- Sweetener Choices: Adjust maple syrup or agave to taste, or use coconut sugar for a different profile.
- Spices: Experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for warming notes.
- Add-ins: Toasted coconut flakes, dried fruit, or vegan chocolate chips add texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Muffins and pancakes freeze well. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
- Mix 1 cup gluten-free flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl.
- Mash 2 ripe bananas in a separate bowl and whisk in 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil.
- Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just mixed.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Creamy Banana Smoothie (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Combine 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“For the best banana flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black. They mash easily and add intense sweetness without needing extra sugar.”
- Banana Substitutions: Overripe plantains can be a fun alternative for a slightly different flavor.
- Flour Options: Almond flour adds richness and moisture, while oat flour gives a mild, nutty flavor. Be sure all are certified gluten-free.
- Sweetener Choices: Adjust maple syrup or agave to taste, or use coconut sugar for a different profile.
- Spices: Experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for warming notes.
- Add-ins: Toasted coconut flakes, dried fruit, or vegan chocolate chips add texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Muffins and pancakes freeze well. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
“For the best banana flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black. They mash easily and add intense sweetness without needing extra sugar.”
Recipe | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Banana Muffin (1 muffin) | 180 | 7g | 27g | 3g | 12g | 3g |
Banana Pancakes (2 pancakes) | 210 | 6g | 32g | 4g | 10g | 4g |
Banana Smoothie (1 serving) | 250 | 9g | 35g | 5g | 16g | 6g |
Serving Suggestions
Banana muffins are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome afternoon snack. Pair them with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or vegan coffee for a comforting treat.
For pancakes, add fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dollop of coconut yogurt to elevate your brunch experience.
The creamy banana smoothie makes a fantastic post-workout drink or a refreshing breakfast option. You can also customize it by adding spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost, or a scoop of vegan protein powder for added muscle fuel.
If you enjoyed these banana treats, you might also love our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for another wholesome banana muffin variation. Or try pairing your breakfast with a healthy Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
For a sweet twist on baked goods, check out the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Conclusion
Bananas are undeniably a powerhouse ingredient in vegan and gluten-free cooking. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture help create delicious, moist, and nutrient-packed recipes without relying on animal products or gluten.
Whether baked into muffins, flipped into pancakes, or blended into smoothies, bananas bring both flavor and health benefits to your table.
These recipes are simple, accessible, and adaptable to your taste preferences. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone navigating dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or enjoyment.
So next time you have ripe bananas on hand, dive into these vegan gluten-free recipes and treat yourself to wholesome, satisfying meals and snacks!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes
Description: Delicious and fluffy banana pancakes that are both vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Mix ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and flaxseed mixture to the mashed bananas and stir well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat coconut oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 34g
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