Fluffy banana bread bars made with almond, coconut, and tapioca flours, sweetened with a maple-cinnamon swirl — a delicious, healthier mid-day treat.

Let’s be honest: banana bread is a timeless favorite.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, these Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Bars are sure to win you over.
This lighter take on banana bread swaps all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix of almond, coconut, and tapioca flours, replaces white sugar with maple syrup, and uses coconut oil instead of canola. The result is tender, moist bars that still feel indulgent.


The real star is the cinnamon-maple swirl made from almond butter (or tahini), maple syrup, and cinnamon. Swirled into the batter, it bakes into ribbons of flavor that elevate these bars to next-level delicious.

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I can’t wait for fellow banana bread lovers to try this — enjoy!
Key Ingredients for Banana Cinnamon Swirl Bread
I recommend following the measurements closely — this blend of gluten-free flours and tested proportions yields a consistent, fluffy result.

- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful.
Quick Tip
If you need ripe bananas fast, bake whole bananas at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, then cool before peeling.
- Eggs: Two eggs provide structure. I haven’t tested substitutes, though two flax eggs might work.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the banana flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Just 2 tablespoons — the bananas and the maple-cinnamon swirl provide much of the moisture.
- Gluten-Free Flours: A specific mix of almond flour, tapioca flour, and coconut flour creates a light, tender crumb. I test with these proportions for best results.


- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the baked flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with banana.
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- Walnuts: Optional chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch.
- Almond Butter: Combined with maple syrup and cinnamon for the swirl. Use tahini to make the swirl nut-free.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla.


Fold in almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
In a small bowl, whisk the swirl ingredients — maple syrup, almond butter or tahini, and cinnamon — until smooth.


Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the swirl over the top and use a knife to gently ripple it through the batter. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.
Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until set in the center. Allow to cool completely before slicing. If you like, drizzle the remaining swirl over the cooled bars before serving.


Tips and Recipe Variations for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Bars
Yes. The batter works well for muffins or a smaller loaf. Adjust baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.
If you aren’t gluten-free, all-purpose flour may be used, though results will differ. Arrowroot can often replace tapioca flour. I haven’t tested every swap, so expect slight texture changes.
More Healthier Dessert Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
- No-Bake Chocolate Tahini Snack Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD BARS

Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 eggs, at room temp
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, for topping (optional)
For the Swirl:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or tahini
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Stir in almond, tapioca, and coconut flours with cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the swirl ingredients — maple syrup, almond butter or tahini, and cinnamon — until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle half the swirl over the top and use a knife to create swirls through the batter.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.
- Bake 23–25 minutes or until set in the center. Cool completely before slicing. Drizzle remaining swirl over cooled bars if you like. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 12g
| Protein: 4g
| Fat: 10g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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