Bananas did not become available in the United States until the 1870s. After that, it took awhile for them to be included in dessert recipes. So, it looks like I'm not the only one slow to accept bananas for dessert...

Banana bread first appeared in cookbooks in the 1930s. Coincidentally, or not, this is right around the same time that baking soda and baking powder became more readily available in grocery stores. Many believe this sweet treat became increasingly popular during the Great Depression as a way to use very ripe bananas. 

Since bananas are naturally sweet, there's no need to add a lot of sugar or other sweetener. So, if you come across a recipe that uses more than 1/2 cup of sweetener, run fast and far! Banana bread can easily remain on the healthier side of baked goods, while still maintaining its sweet status.

I'm still a little hesitant about having bananas around anything considered dessert, but I am slowly becoming a convert! These mini loaves were so good!

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Banana Bread Variations

        ✔️ Raisins

        ✔️ Nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)

        ✔️ Cinnamon

        ✔️ Peanut Butter

        ✔️ Blueberries

        ✔️ Oatmeal

        ✔️ White Chocolate Chips

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Ingredients in Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

• Ripe Bananas
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Eggs
• Maple Syrup
• Brown Sugar
• Gluten Free Flour Blend
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder

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Is gluten free banana bread healthy???

This truly depends on the ingredients used; however, most banana bread recipes would likely NOT be considered healthy. This recipe uses bananas to provide a lot of the moisture and sweetness. As such, I dare say it's pretty healthy. But ok, maybe not as healthy as eating a banana.

How do you keep banana bread moist???

The mashed bananas and butter are enough to create a moist baked good. Once baked and cooled, the best way to keep moisture around is to individually wrap in plastic wrap.

Why is it called banana bread instead of banana cake???

Both use bananas as the main ingredient. Banana bread is denser, often made with heavier flour. Banana cake uses lighter flour, more sugar, and the end result is lighter and fluffier. Banana cakes are also topped with frosting.

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