Best Paleo Banana Bread: Simple Recipe & Baking Instructions

Paleo banana bread is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for anyone following a paleo, gluten-free, or dairy-free lifestyle, or simply looking for a more nutritious way to enjoy this comforting treat.

This guide will walk you through the basics of paleo banana bread, provide a step-by-step recipe, explore exciting variations, and even suggest what to serve alongside it. It is also often sugar free and dairy free.

What is Paleo Banana Bread?

Traditional banana bread is often loaded with refined sugar, wheat flour, and dairy. Paleo banana bread, on the other hand, uses ingredients that align with the paleo diet, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods.

This typically means using almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar, and omitting dairy altogether. The result is a moist, flavorful bread that you can feel good about eating.

The Basic Paleo Banana Bread Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups almond flour. Quinoa Flour can be used too.
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.¹ Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.²
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.³

Delicious Paleo Banana Bread Variations

One of the great things about paleo banana bread is its versatility. Here are some exciting variations to try:

Paleo Chocolate Banana Bread

Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can also fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Paleo Banana Zucchini Bread

Shredded zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables! Add 1 cup of shredded zucchini to the batter.

Paleo Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Combine the flavors of carrot cake and banana bread by adding 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1/2 cup of raisins, and a touch of nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) to the batter.

Paleo Pumpkin Banana Bread

Perfect for fall, this variation incorporates 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a warm, comforting flavor.

Paleo Vegan Banana Bread

By using flax eggs or chia eggs, you can easily make a paleo vegan banana bread. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly. Use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or chia eggs instead of regular eggs.

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

For a grab-and-go option, bake the batter in muffin tins. These are perfect for a quick paleo breakfast or snack. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Create a beautiful and flavorful swirl by combining 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1/4 cup almond flour, and 2 tablespoons of sweetener, then swirling it into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Paleo banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for making it even more enjoyable:

Coffee or Tea: A warm slice of paleo banana bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Dairy-Free Yogurt: Top a slice with dairy-free yogurt for a creamy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Nut Butter: Spread your favorite nut butter on a slice for extra protein and flavor.
Paleo Raspberry Recipes: Consider a raspberry compote or a sprinkle of fresh raspberries to add a touch of tartness that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Whole 30 Sweets: This bread itself can be considered a Whole 30 sweet treat, but you can also pair it with other Whole 30 compliant desserts.

Paleo Baking Tips

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your eggs and coconut oil are at room temperature.
Storage: Store paleo banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well.

Whole 30 and Paleo Quick Bread

Paleo banana bread often fits into the Whole 30 diet, especially when made without added sweeteners. It’s a great example of a paleo quick bread – a bread that doesn’t require yeast and is quick to prepare.

Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and serving suggestions to find your favorite way to enjoy paleo banana bread!