Gluten-free banana, raspberry loaf

Updated October 2023 | 2 min read
Words by Dr Joanna McMillan and Melissa Clark

This isn’t your average fruit loaf. This gluten-free banana, raspberry bread recipe is refined-sugar free and great for lunch boxes or afternoon tea.

The fruit loaves you’d typically find in a cafe are usually made with white flour and refined oils, and are loaded with added sugar.

This super-tasty gluten-free version uses buckwheat flour, nut meal and healthy extra virgin olive oil. You can slice and freeze it in individual portions and even thaw it directly in the toaster for a quick healthy snack.

Serves: 10
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 120g buckwheat flour
• 100g hazelnut meal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
• ¼ cup mild-flavoured extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 10 x 20cm loaf tin with baking paper, allowing the paper to extend over the sides.
2. Sift the flour, hazelnut meal, baking powder and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine the mashed bananas with the honey, eggs and oil. Stir into the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Reserve about 12 raspberries for decoration. Gently stir the remaining raspberries through the batter.
5. Spoon the batter into the tin, then top with the reserved raspberries. Bake for about 50–60 minutes or until the loaf is cooked through when tested with a skewer. If the skewer comes out sticky, bake the loaf for a further 5–10 minutes. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Images and text from The Feel-Good Family Food Plan by Dr Joanna McMillan with Melissa Clark, photography by Alan Benson. Murdoch Books RRP $35.

Nutrition support for healthy teens

We know teenagers go through physical changes during puberty, and they need extra nutrition to fuel this growth. During these changes, teens can benefit from guidance and support to develop a positive relationship with food as they gain independence and a greater awareness of body image.

Our Healthy Teens for Life education hub of resources, tips and tools can help you support your teens from 13 to 17 to develop healthy eating habits. Eligible members with health cover (excluding Overseas Visitors Health Cover) can access these resources by logging in to online member services and visiting the 'Health & Wellbeing programs' tab.