Bella's Belly Blog

Gluten-free, refined sugar free

This gluten-free Caramelized Pear Banana Bread combines tender, ripe bananas with the rich sweetness of caramelized pears, creating a moist, flavor-packed treat. The bread is made with a blend of almond and oat flour, giving it a nutty, wholesome texture, and it’s naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Caramelized pears add a buttery, slightly spiced depth, while hints of cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth to every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this bread is free from gluten, refined sugars, and dairy, making it a nourishing choice for any time of day.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups almond or oat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Caramelized Pears

• 1 pear, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tbsp Earth Balance or coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Caramelize the Pears: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the Earth Balance or coconut oil. Add the diced pear and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until the pears are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the almond or oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
5. Add Caramelized Pears: Gently layer the caramelized pears on top of the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!