Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist, naturally sweet bread with bananas and walnuts, featuring a warm cinnamon swirl. This american-inspired desserts (vegan, gluten-free option) ready in about 70 minutes layers ripe bananas, walnuts, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 10 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with coconut oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 mashed large ripe bananas, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, and 1/4 cup maple syrup until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold banana mixture into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For the swirl, mix 1 tbsp cinnamon with 1 tbsp maple syrup, then drizzle over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegan Banana Walnut Bread with Cinnamon Swirl vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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