If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that’s naturally wholesome and bursting with warm spice, this Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender, moist banana bread with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl running through every slice—all made without any traditional flour, using simple wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, almond butter, and oats. It’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet little dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the oatmeal that provides structure and a tender crumb, making this bread both hearty and satisfying.
- Ripe bananas, mashed (3 large, about 1 1/2 cups): The natural sweetness and moisture foundation of the bread.
- Rolled oats, blended to flour (2 cups): Acts as the flour replacement, adding fiber and a nutty texture.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind everything together and add richness.
- Almond butter (1/4 cup): Provides healthy fats, flavor depth, and moist crumb.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds a natural sweetness that complements the bananas.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps with lift and lightens the texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with bananas to create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): The star spice creating that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cinnamon to create the signature swirl topping.
- Fine salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
How to Make Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out cleanly, ready for that perfect presentation.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
In a blender or food processor, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, rolled oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this harmonious blend is the heart of your bread, ensuring every bite is tender and rich.
Step 3: Start Layering the Batter
Pour half of the smooth batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly so you have a solid base for the cinnamon swirl.
Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon with the brown sugar or coconut sugar. Sprinkle half of this fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. This step brings that gorgeous cinnamon swirl we all crave.
Step 5: Finish the Layers and Swirl
Add the remaining half of the batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading gently. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Gently swirl the batter with a knife to create a beautiful cinnamon marbled effect that will tantalize your eyes and taste buds alike.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bread in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will make it impossible to wait any longer.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the bread to set perfectly so your slices hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Try a light smear of almond butter or a drizzle of honey on a warm slice for an extra touch of indulgence. A dusting of powdered cinnamon on top also enhances that spicy aroma and adds a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the hearty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this loaf into a decadent dessert by toasting thick slices and topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You can also cut it into cubes and use them as a base for a gluten-free bread pudding—delicious and resourceful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Wrapping it tightly keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness and bring back the fragrant aromas of cinnamon and bananas. Perfect for a quick comforting snack anytime.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free oats to make this bread fully gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using certified gluten-free oats ensures your Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is safe for gluten intolerance while keeping that great oat flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
You can swap almond butter with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini, depending on your preference and dietary needs. Each will bring a unique flavor twist to the recipe.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. They mash easily and give the bread its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can try agave nectar or coconut nectar as alternatives, but avoid granulated sugar in the batter since the texture and moisture balance rely on liquid sweeteners.
Does this bread taste strongly of cinnamon?
The cinnamon swirl offers a lovely warm spice that’s noticeable but not overpowering. It perfectly complements the sweet banana flavor and creates a comforting aroma and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is one I genuinely cherish and love to share. It’s an inviting, wholesome celebration of naturally sweet ingredients combined with cinnamon’s cozy essence, resulting in a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re new to flourless baking or simply looking for your next favorite bread, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Flourless Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf made without traditional flour. Using blended rolled oats as the base, combined with ripe bananas, almond butter, and natural sweeteners, it offers a gluten-free, wholesome alternative to classic banana bread. A delightful cinnamon and brown sugar swirl adds a comforting warmth and sweetness, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, blended into flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
Swirl
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread after baking.
- Blend Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, blended oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Process until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour Batter: Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Mix the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon with the brown sugar or coconut sugar. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter already in the pan.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using a knife, gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure ripe bananas are soft and sweet.
- Blending rolled oats into flour ensures a flourless and gluten-free base.
- Adjust sweetness by choosing between honey or maple syrup and sugar types.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bread out without sticking.
- Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
