Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Every time I step into the kitchen and smell the sweet aroma of baking bread, it takes me back to my childhood. The warmth of freshly baked bread has a way of making everything feel right in the world. This is exactly how I feel when I make Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also embraces a healthier lifestyle. I remember the first time I invited friends over to try it; they were amazed that something so delicious could be made with wholesome ingredients.
It all started when I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I was on a quest to create something that would bring smiles and comfort. That’s when I decided to add a swirl of cinnamon goodness to the batter. The result? A scrumptious loaf that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re following a paleo diet or just looking to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent without the guilt, this recipe is for you. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started on this amazing journey of baking.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 10 mins
10 mins
60 mins
Medium
270 kcal
6 g
Keto, Paleo, Vegan
12 g
Loaf Pan
The Charm of This Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
It’s Deliciously Healthy
Unlike traditional banana bread, this Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is made with nutrient-dense ingredients. You won’t find any refined sugar or flour here. Instead, the loaf is sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and a touch of coconut sugar. You can enjoy a slice without worrying about your health.
Perfect for All Occasions
This bread isn’t just a breakfast staple; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or need a quick snack on the go, it fits right in. I often find myself reaching for a slice when I need a quick energy boost during the day.
Easy to Make
If you’re not an experienced baker, fear not! This recipe is incredibly easy to follow. You simply blend the ingredients and pour them into a loaf pan. It’s an ideal way to introduce baking to your family or friends. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze!
A Fusion of Flavors
The combination of sweet bananas, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant cinnamon creates a flavor explosion. Each bite is a journey of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I often find myself daydreaming about this bread long after I’ve finished my last slice!
Gluten-Free Goodness
For those who are gluten-sensitive, this recipe is a godsend. The use of almond flour and tapioca flour makes it completely gluten-free, allowing everyone to indulge in this delicious treat without worry.
Great for Meal Prep
This bread keeps well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. I love slicing it up and storing it in the fridge, so I always have a nutritious snack ready when hunger strikes. It’s easy to grab a slice, toast it, and enjoy with a little nut butter if I want to take it up a notch!
Key Ingredients for Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

The ingredients in this recipe are thoughtfully chosen to create a deliciously wholesome loaf. Each component plays a key role in the final product, ensuring a delightful texture and rich flavor. The star of the show, of course, is the banana, which provides natural sweetness while keeping the bread moist.
- 3 large ripe bananas: These are the foundation of our recipe, giving the bread its moist texture and natural sweetness.
- 2 eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and add protein, making this bread satisfying.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup: A touch of sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 2 cups almond flour: This flour is gluten-free and gives the bread a lovely nutty flavor.
- ⅓ cup tapioca flour: Adds lightness to the loaf, helping it rise beautifully.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: A key ingredient for creating a fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread.
- 1 cup raw walnuts finely chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
- 4 tbsp coconut oil melted: Provides moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup coconut sugar or raw cane sugar: A natural sweetener that pairs wonderfully with bananas.
- Pinch sea salt: Just a little to balance the sweetness!
- 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and flavor to the bread.
How to Cook Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Making Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is an enjoyable process, and the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf that your family will love.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure it’s fully heated before you put your bread in; this will help it bake evenly.
Line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easy to remove once it’s baked.
In a blender, add the 3 large ripe bananas, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, ¼ cup coconut oil, and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the bananas in a bowl and mix the ingredients by hand.
In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups almond flour, ⅓ cup tapioca flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp sea salt, and 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon. Whisk together to ensure everything is well mixed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the blender, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
In a bowl, stir together the chopped walnuts and any remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for the swirl until well combined. This will create a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top.
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the center to reach an internal temperature of at least 190 degrees F.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set properly.
Slice and serve your Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread at room temperature. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of your choice!
Things Worth Knowing
- Check for Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your bread light and fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from being gummy inside.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment makes for an easy release and cleanup. This simple step is a game-changer!
Making Adjustments

There are many ways you can adjust the Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread to suit your taste and preferences. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Storage: This banana bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze slices of the banana bread for up to three months. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: This loaf is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding in some dark chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra twist.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pecans or even omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of the coconut sugar based on your preference.
Perfect Pairings for Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Serving your Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread can be as delightful as making it. Here are some pairing suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness. The combination of sweet bread and tart fruit is a match made in heaven.
- Coffee or Tea: Pairing a warm slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Nut Butter: Spread a layer of almond or cashew butter on top of your slice for added protein and a delicious nutty flavor.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
- Holiday Desserts: This banana bread is a great addition to your holiday spread, making it perfect for gatherings or as a homemade gift.
- Homemade Jam: Top it with your favorite homemade jam or preserve for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
This Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a delicious journey into healthy baking that satisfies cravings without any guilt. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the warm, comforting flavors yourself. You might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen, loved by everyone.

Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure it’s fully heated before you put your bread in; this will help it bake evenly.
- Line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easy to remove once it’s baked.
- In a blender, add the 3 large ripe bananas, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and ¼ cup coconut oil, and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the bananas in a bowl and mix the ingredients by hand.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups almond flour, ⅓ cup tapioca flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp sea salt, and 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon. Whisk together to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the blender, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- In a bowl, stir together the chopped walnuts and any remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for the swirl until well combined. This will create a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the center to reach an internal temperature of at least 190 degrees F.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set properly.
- Slice and serve your Paleo Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread at room temperature. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of your choice!
Notes
- Storage: This banana bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze slices of the banana bread for up to three months. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: This loaf is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding in some dark chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra twist.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pecans or even omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of the coconut sugar based on your preference.


