Quinoa Banana Bread with Quinoa Flour

This Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe is made almond & coconut flour, quinoa flour, protein powder, bananas, eggs and coconut oil.

Quinoa banana bread can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a healthy snack, or a dessert. It can also be customized with additional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or spices to suit personal taste preferences. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and incorporate quinoa into your diet in a delicious and convenient way.

I know what you are thinking. No all purpose flour in this recipe?! This recipe is absolutely amazing because you pulse quinoa into a flour and use it instead, as well as almond and coconut flour.

Check out my Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Bread. You can also pair this bread with my Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Jump to:

• What is Quinoa Banana Bread?
• Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Quinoa Banana Bread
• What to serve with Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe
• Substitutions
• Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Quinoa Banana Bread
• Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Top tips
• Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe
• Food safety

What is Quinoa Banana Bread?

Quinoa banana bread is a type of banana bread that includes quinoa as one of its main ingredients. Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that originated in South America and is known for its high protein and fiber content. When incorporated into banana bread, quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, making for a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic banana bread recipe.

To make quinoa banana bread, cooked quinoa is typically mixed with mashed bananas, eggs, sugar or other sweeteners, flour, and leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda. The mixture is then baked in a loaf pan until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a moist and flavorful bread with the added nutritional benefits of quinoa.

Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Bananes
• Eggs
• Coconut oil
• Coconut sugar
• Vanilla
• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Quinoa flakes
• Protein powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Xanthan gum

See recipe card for Quinoa Banana Bread with Quinoa Flour quantities.

How to make Quinoa Banana Bread

What to serve with Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe

• Butter or Nut Butter: Spread a thin layer of butter or your favorite nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter, on a slice of quinoa banana bread for added richness and creaminess.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve quinoa banana bread with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, for a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that complements the flavors of the bread.
• Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt, whether it's regular or Greek yogurt, can add creaminess and tang to balance the sweetness of the banana bread. You can also sprinkle some granola or chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
• Coffee or Tea: Quinoa banana bread pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and bitterness of the coffee or tea can help balance the sweetness of the bread, making for a satisfying combination. Try pairing this with my Chai Iced Latte.
• Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert option, serve quinoa banana bread with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream can contrast with the warm, moist banana bread, creating a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Substitutions

• Almond flour: This can be found in the baking section of your local grocery store. They also sell them at Walmart, Target, Aldi, and Trader Joes.
• Coconut Flour: This is the same as the almond flour, although can be a bit more difficult to find.
• Sugar: You can use regular granulated sugar instead, or light brown sugar.
• Coconut oil: I wanted to give coconut oil as an option but you can use butter too.
• Protein Powder: You can use your favorite protein powder for this part. I love using the chocolate flavored Orgain protein powder.
• Xanthan Gum: You can find Xanthan Gum along Walmart’s baking aisle next to powdered products like flour. 

Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Variations

There are several variations you can make to a basic quinoa banana bread recipe to customize it to your liking.

• Chocolate Chip Quinoa Banana Bread: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a deliciously decadent twist. The melted chocolate chips add a burst of sweetness and gooeyness to the bread.
• Nutty Quinoa Banana Bread: Stir in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter for added crunch and nuttiness. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top of the bread before baking for an attractive and tasty topping.
• Coconut Quinoa Banana Bread: Mix in some shredded coconut or coconut flakes to the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and chewiness to the bread.
• Spiced Quinoa Banana Bread: Add in some warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, to the batter for a fragrant and cozy flavor profile. These spices complement the sweetness of the bananas and add warmth to the bread.
• Dried Fruit Quinoa Banana Bread: Mix in some dried fruit, such as raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries, to the batter for a burst of natural sweetness and chewiness. Dried fruit can add an interesting texture and flavor contrast to the soft banana bread.
• Lemon or Orange Quinoa Banana Bread: Add some freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the batter for a tangy and citrusy twist. The bright citrus flavors can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bananas.

Check out this Instant Pot Quinoa with Chickpeas or my Mexican Quinoa Bowl for dinner.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: You'll need mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients of the banana bread recipe. It's best to have a few different sizes of bowls to accommodate various ingredients and mixing tasks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking, so you'll need measuring cups and spoons to measure the dry and liquid ingredients, such as flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, etc.
• Fork or Whisk: A fork or whisk is handy for whisking together the wet ingredients, such as mashed bananas, eggs, and oil or butter, to create a smooth batter.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is used to mix the dry and wet ingredients together until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a tough texture in the banana bread.
• Loaf Pan: Banana bread is typically baked in a loaf pan, so you'll need one to shape the bread. A standard-sized loaf pan with dimensions of approximately 9x5 inches is commonly used.
• Baking Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent the banana bread from sticking to the loaf pan, you can line the pan with baking paper or coat it with cooking spray. This ensures that the bread comes out easily after baking.
• Oven: Banana bread is baked in an oven, so you'll need a preheated oven to the temperature specified in your recipe for baking the bread.
• Optional: Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While not necessary, a hand mixer or stand mixer can be helpful for mixing the ingredients together quickly and evenly, especially for larger batches of banana bread or when creaming butter and sugar.

How to store Quinoa Banana Bread

1. Cool Completely: Allow the quinoa banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.
2. Wrap or Cover: Wrap the quinoa banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the bread from drying out and protects it from absorbing any odors or flavors from the refrigerator or freezer.
3. Store at Room Temperature or Refrigerate: If you plan to consume the quinoa banana bread within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or countertop. However, if you live in a hot and humid climate, it's best to store the bread in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth.
4. Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you want to store the quinoa banana bread for longer periods, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
5. Slice Before Freezing (Optional): If you prefer, you can also slice the quinoa banana bread before freezing it. This allows you to easily thaw and consume individual slices as needed, without having to thaw the whole loaf.
6. Reheat Before Serving (Optional): If you store the quinoa banana bread in the refrigerator or freezer, you may want to reheat it slightly before serving. You can toast individual slices in a toaster or warm them in a microwave or oven until heated through.

Quinoa Banana Bread Recipe Top tips

• Use Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor in your banana bread. Ripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily, which helps to naturally sweeten the bread and add moisture.
• Mash Bananas Well: Mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until no large lumps remain. This helps to evenly distribute the banana flavor and moisture throughout the bread.
• Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately: Mix the dry ingredients (such as flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices) in one bowl, and the wet ingredients (such as mashed bananas, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract) in another bowl. Then, combine them just until moistened to avoid over-mixing, which can result in a dense texture.
• Add Mix-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the banana bread batter, such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips, for added texture and flavor.
• Grease and Line the Pan: Grease the loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and line it with baking paper. This helps to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking.
• Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the banana bread while it's baking and avoid overbaking, as it can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the quinoa banana bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the structure and prevents the bread from falling apart.
• Store Properly: Store the quinoa banana bread properly to keep it fresh, as mentioned in the previous answer. Proper storage helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the bread.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.