If you have ever dreamed of a banana bread that is both indulgently moist and healthy, then this Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the cozy warmth of cinnamon, this loaf delivers a tender crumb without any flour—thanks to wholesome oat flour and almond butter that keep it irresistibly soft and rich. The cinnamon swirl adds a beautiful visual twist along with a delightful burst of spice in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast or an afternoon snack, this banana bread feels like a warm hug you can slice and share any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this bread starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role: ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, almond butter brings richness and healthy fats, while oat flour keeps the texture light yet comforting. The cinnamon swirl is a perfect finishing touch that elevates the flavor with a spicy-sweet surprise.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed): Use bananas that are heavily speckled for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add structure to the bread.
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter: Adds a nutty, creamy texture and helps make this loaf flourless yet tender.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives depth without overpowering the bananas.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1/2 cup oat flour: Keeps the bread gluten-free and adds gentle body.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to create a tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with fragrant spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a toasty note if you like.
- For the cinnamon swirl – 2 tablespoons coconut sugar: A caramel-like sugar that creates the signature swirls.
- For the cinnamon swirl – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Intensifies the flavor and makes the swirl irresistible.
How to Make Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your bread releases easily once baked. Getting this step right sets you up for a clean, smooth loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas, eggs, creamy almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until smooth and uniform. This wet mixture is where your bread’s moist, rich foundation begins—don’t rush it.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Add your oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix. This ensures your bread will have a tender crumb without becoming dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Walnuts
If you’re using walnuts, fold them into the batter now. They add a wonderful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the smooth banana flavor.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your bread its signature swirl—the perfect visual and flavorful accent.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create beautiful ribbons of spice.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake your banana bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is key for clean slices and full flavor development.
How to Serve Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of almond butter can make it feel extra special. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top add texture and beauty, making each slice look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a breakfast boost, add a side of scrambled eggs or a smoothie bowl, and you have a balanced, nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the banana bread thick and toast it lightly, then spread with nut butter or cream cheese for a creative twist. You can also cut it into cubes and serve as part of a festive brunch board with cheeses and fresh berries—a fun and unexpected way to enjoy your Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This simple method keeps it soft and fresh, ready for a quick snack or breakfast anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it and freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need without sacrificing freshness, and have your delicious Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe handy whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toast your slices lightly or warm them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This refreshes the bread’s softness and enhances the aromas of banana and cinnamon, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter works wonderfully as a substitute, adding a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor to your Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe.
Is this banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe uses oat flour instead of traditional wheat flour, making it naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots on the peel. Avoid underripe bananas as they won’t provide enough natural sweetness or softness.
Can I skip the nuts?
Definitely. The chopped walnuts add texture and flavor, but if you’re allergic or prefer nut-free, just leave them out. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.
Will this recipe work without eggs?
Eggs help with binding and texture here. If you want to make it egg-free, try using flax eggs or another egg substitute, but the texture might be a bit different from the original Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is such a treasure—comforting, wholesome, and surprisingly effortless. It’s proof that you don’t need flour to enjoy a deliciously tender loaf packed with flavor. Next time you have overripe bananas, give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the kitchen. Your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll have found a new classic to bake again and again.
Print
Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and healthy treat made without any flour. It combines ripe bananas, creamy almond butter, and a fragrant cinnamon swirl for a naturally sweet and gluten-free breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, almond butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create the batter. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon together until evenly combined to form the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Create Swirl Effect: Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter by making slow, deliberate zig-zag or circular motions to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set properly and eases slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter if preferred.
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate leftovers to extend shelf life beyond 3 days.
