Indulge in the flavors of fall with our Cinnamon Swirl Banana and Pumpkin Bread. Inspired by cinnamon buns, this guilt-free delight is perfect for dessert, breakfast, or a snack. With just six simple ingredients and a quick 15-minute prep, it’s a delicious way to savor the season.

What is cinnamon swirl banana bread?

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a wholesome and inventive take on the beloved classic, blending the rich flavors of ripe bananas and sweet pumpkin with the earthy tones of oat flour.

This recipe stands out by creating its signature cinnamon swirl with a healthier twist: a blend of pureed dates and cinnamon, offering a natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars. Each slice reveals a marbled pattern of cinnamon-infused sweetness, making every bite a delightful experience.

With just six simple ingredients—banana, pumpkin, oat flour, dates, cinnamon, and water—this version of banana bread is not only easy to make but also caters to a variety of dietary needs, being gluten-free and vegan-friendly. It’s a perfect example of how a few wholesome components can come together to create something truly special and indulgent.

Is Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Healthy?

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, especially this version with its carefully selected ingredients, can be considered a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.

With bananas and pumpkin at its core, the bread is naturally sweetened and moistened, reducing the need for added fats and sugars. Bananas are a great source of vitamins and dietary fiber, while pumpkin adds a dose of vitamins A and C, along with a rich, creamy texture.

The use of oat flour instead of refined white flour not only makes this bread gluten-free but also adds beneficial fiber and nutrients, contributing to a feeling of fullness and aiding in digestive health. The innovative cinnamon swirl, made from dates and cinnamon, eliminates refined sugars from the equation, offering sweetness from dates, which are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the absence of processed sugars, dairy, or gluten make this banana bread a guilt-free pleasure that can fit into a balanced and health-conscious diet.

How to serve cinnamon swirl banana bread?

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s how to serve it for the best experience:

Warm Slices: Gently warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. The warmth enhances the bread’s flavors and makes the cinnamon swirl slightly gooey, reminiscent of fresh cinnamon rolls.
With Toppings: For an extra indulgence, serve slices with a dollop of vegan butter, a spread of almond butter, or a drizzle of homemade date syrup. These toppings complement the bread’s natural sweetness and spice.
As Breakfast: Pair a slice of cinnamon swirl banana bread with your morning coffee or tea. It’s hearty enough to kickstart your day and pairs wonderfully with hot beverages.
Dessert Option: Elevate it to a dessert by serving it with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a side of stewed fruit, like apples or pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Remember, the bread’s rich flavors and moist texture are best enjoyed when the bread is fresh. However, it also keeps well, allowing you to savor it over several days.

How to store cinnamon swirl banana bread?

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Here are some tips to ensure your bread stays as delicious as the day it was baked:

Cool Completely: Before storing, let the bread cool entirely on a wire rack. Storing it while still warm can lead to condensation inside the container, making the bread soggy.
Wrap Tightly: Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep air out and maintain moisture, preventing the bread from drying out.
Room Temperature Storage: For short-term storage, keep the wrapped bread at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: If you’d like to extend its freshness, store the wrapped bread in the refrigerator. This can help it last up to a week without losing much of its texture or taste.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be thawed at room temperature or warmed directly in a toaster or microwave, making it convenient to enjoy a piece whenever you like.

Ingredients

Bananas: 3-4 ripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and moisture.

Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup, adding a subtle depth of flavor and additional moisture.

Oat Flour: 2 cups, for a gluten-free base that adds a lovely texture and nuttiness. (for celiac disease make sure to use gluten-free oat flour)

Dates: 1 cup, pitted, to sweeten the cinnamon swirl naturally.

Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons, for that warm, spiced flavor in the swirl.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2. Make the Banana-Pumpkin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
Gradually fold in the oat flour, mixing until just combined and ensuring there are no lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable; adjust with a little water if it’s too thick.

Step 3. Prepare the Cinnamon-Date Swirl

Blend the pitted dates with cinnamon and a splash of water in a food processor until you achieve a smooth, spreadable paste. You may need to scrape down the sides and add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 4. Assemble the Bread

Pour half of the banana-pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Spoon half of the cinnamon-date mixture in dollops over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon-date mixture, finishing with a swirl on top.

Step 5. Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil partway through baking.

Step 6. Cool and Serve

Chill the bread in the fridge or freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps to ensure an exceptionally moist texture.
If you want to serve it warm, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Optional add-ins

Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with additional spices such as nutmeg, clove, or allspice. A pinch of any of these can complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a lovely crunch, while flaxseeds or chia seeds can boost the nutritional content with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Dried Fruit: Consider stirring in some raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates into the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Chocolate Chips: For a bit of indulgence, fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Choose vegan chocolate chips to keep the recipe plant-based.
Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can add a refreshing, aromatic twist to the bread, brightening up the flavors.