Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy banana bread than giving it a cozy twist with a snickerdoodle flavor. This gluten free snickerdoodle banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and filled with the warm taste of cinnamon and sugar that reminds me of fresh-baked cookies.

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I love baking it on weekends because it fills my kitchen with the most comforting aroma, and it feels like a treat that’s both homey and special at the same time.

This bread is perfect for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, as a mid-day snack, or even as a sweet ending after dinner.

If you’re like me and love recipes that are both delicious and simple to make, this one will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s take a quick look at some recipe info before we dive in.

Quick Recipe Info

Feature	Details
Calories	~210 per slice
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	7g
Gluten Free	Yes
Vegan	No (can be made vegan with swaps)
Sugar	~15g
Fiber	3g
Servings	About 10 slices

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

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• It combines the cozy flavors of snickerdoodle cookies with the moist texture of banana bread.
• A perfect recipe for using up overripe bananas.
• Naturally gluten free, so it’s safe for those avoiding gluten.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
• Freezes well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy later.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients to Make Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

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Before we start baking, let’s talk about what goes into this recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (for the snickerdoodle flavor)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Ingredient Details

Bananas – The star of the recipe. Make sure they’re overripe with brown spots because they add natural sweetness and make the bread soft and moist.

Eggs – They bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure. If you want to make it vegan, you can use flax eggs instead.

Butter or Coconut Oil – Butter adds a rich, classic flavor, while coconut oil gives a lighter twist. Both keep the bread moist.

Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.

Granulated Sugar – Used in the batter and also in the cinnamon-sugar topping that gives this bread its snickerdoodle touch.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.

Gluten Free Flour Blend – A good-quality gluten free flour mix ensures the bread rises well and has a soft crumb. Check that it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder – These leavening agents help the bread rise, keeping it fluffy instead of dense.

Cinnamon – The heart of the snickerdoodle flavor. It adds warmth and coziness to every bite.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Cream of Tartar – A classic ingredient in snickerdoodles that adds a slight tangy note, making the flavor unique.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping – A simple mix sprinkled on top before baking, creating a crunchy and sweet crust that sets this banana bread apart.

Steps to Make Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

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This recipe is simple and doesn’t require fancy equipment. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, cinnamon-swirled loaf ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling and mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for texture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth. This mixture forms the base of your banana bread, and combining the wet ingredients first helps prevent clumps later.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and cream of tartar. Mixing them separately ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so the bread rises properly and has balanced flavor.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but smooth, with no streaks of flour.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the extra granulated sugar with cinnamon. Pour the banana bread batter into a greased or lined loaf pan, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. This step gives your bread its signature snickerdoodle crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown with a slightly crunchy crust from the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee, or let it cool completely for neater slices.

Serving Suggestions

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One of the best things about gluten free snickerdoodle banana bread is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it in many different ways, depending on the occasion or your mood. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Simple Slices – Nothing beats a fresh, warm slice straight from the loaf. It’s moist, sweet, and perfectly spiced all on its own.

With Coffee or Tea – Pair a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The cinnamon-sugar topping makes it taste like a bakery treat.

Toasted with Butter – Toast a slice lightly and spread with butter for a comforting snack that melts in your mouth.

With Cream Cheese Spread – A layer of cream cheese or even cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to another level, making it feel like dessert.

Fruit and Yogurt Pairing – Serve it alongside fresh fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.

As Dessert – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a simple but indulgent dessert. You can also pair it with other desserts like Pecan Pie.

This banana bread works for almost any time of day—breakfast, afternoon snack, or even as a sweet ending to dinner. It’s a flexible recipe that fits right in no matter the occasion.

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Can We Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread in Advance?

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Yes, you can absolutely make this banana bread in advance, and it’s one of the reasons I love this recipe so much. The flavors actually get better after a day because the spices and banana blend together more deeply.

Here are some tips for making it ahead of time:

Bake a Day Early – You can bake the loaf the day before you plan to serve it. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. Store at room temperature.

Slice Ahead for Convenience – If you know you’ll be serving it for quick breakfasts or snacks, slice the bread after it cools. Place the slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Freeze for Later – This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Make the Batter Ahead – If you’re short on baking time, prepare the batter and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking. This can be a lifesaver if you want fresh bread in the morning without mixing everything at dawn.

Making this bread ahead not only saves time, but also ensures you’ll always have a delicious gluten free treat ready whenever you want it.

Tips and Tricks

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Baking banana bread is simple, but these little tips will make sure your gluten free snickerdoodle banana bread turns out perfect every single time:

• Use very ripe bananas – The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the bread dense and heavy.
• Check your flour blend – Not all gluten free flours are the same. Use a blend that already contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Line your pan – Even if your loaf pan is greased, lining it with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bread out cleanly.
• Test for doneness – Ovens vary, so check with a toothpick at around 50 minutes. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• Let it cool properly – Resist cutting into the bread too soon. Cooling helps the structure set and prevents it from falling apart.
• Double the recipe – This bread freezes well, so consider baking two loaves at once to save time later.

These tricks will help you avoid common mistakes and guarantee a moist, flavorful loaf every time.

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Variations of Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

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One of the fun parts of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily change it up to match your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:

Vegan Version – Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter. It still bakes up moist and delicious.

Nutty Twist – Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-style loaf.

Cream Cheese Swirl – Add a layer of cream cheese filling in the middle of the batter for a cheesecake-inspired bread.

Coconut Banana Bread – Fold in shredded coconut for extra texture and tropical flavor.

Apple-Cinnamon Version – Mix in small chunks of apple along with the bananas for a fruity variation.

Mini Loaves or Muffins – Instead of one big loaf, bake the batter in mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Great for portion control and gifting.

These variations let you take the base recipe and make it your own while still enjoying that cozy snickerdoodle flavor.

Storage Instructions

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One of the best things about this bread is that it stores well, so you can enjoy it over several days (if it lasts that long!). Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature – Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for about 3 days on the counter.
• Refrigerator – If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer – For long-term storage, wrap the bread (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months.

💡 Pro tip: If freezing slices, separate them with parchment paper so you can easily grab one at a time.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make this bread without cream of tartar?
Yes! Cream of tartar gives the classic snickerdoodle tang, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. The bread will still taste amazing with just cinnamon.

Q2: What’s the best gluten free flour to use?
A good all-purpose gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum works best. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Measure-for-Measure are reliable.

Q3: How do I make it vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup if your bananas are very ripe. The bread will still be naturally sweet.

Q5: Can I turn this into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

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Conclusion

Gluten free snickerdoodle banana bread is the perfect mix of cozy and comforting flavors. The ripe bananas keep it soft and moist, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds that irresistible snickerdoodle crunch.

It’s easy to make, stores beautifully, and works for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Also check out 4-Ingredient Apple Banana Bread Recipe.

So next time you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, give this recipe a try. One bite and you’ll see why snickerdoodle and banana bread are such a perfect match!