Delicious Gluten-Free Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread: Your Ultimate Vegan Baking Guide

Discover the ultimate gluten-free, naturally sweetened banana bread, infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and tahini, and packed with crunchy walnuts. This vegan delight, crafted with almond flour and oats, is perfect for any time of year!

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s a distinct shift in the atmosphere that whispers of the upcoming holiday season. While some might argue it’s too early to dive into festive traditions, for me, the moment Halloween passes, the spirit of cozy celebrations begins to unfurl. This time of year invariably brings to mind cheerful Christmas cards, the anticipation of the first pristine snowfall, and the comforting, earthy scent of pine needles. The temperatures have certainly taken a dip here, making my daily walks an opportunity to bundle up in warm layers, and perhaps more importantly, an excuse to fire up the oven. There’s truly nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of fresh baking to chase away the chill.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the home when it’s chilly outside. It’s a sensory experience that instantly elevates your mood and creates a warm, inviting ambiance. This particular recipe for Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread has been patiently waiting for just this kind of weather – a true seasonal treat, designed to bring joy and coziness to your kitchen! It’s not just any banana bread; it’s a wholesome, flavorful creation made entirely in one bowl, promising minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. Bursting with the creamy richness of tahini, delightful textural contrasts from crunchy walnuts, and a balanced natural sweetness from ripe bananas and coconut sugar, this loaf is truly special. Its unique blend of flavors makes it stand out from traditional banana bread recipes, offering a sophisticated twist that everyone will adore.

Get ready to transform those perfectly spotted, overripe bananas into something extraordinary. This recipe is designed to impress, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food while also being naturally gluten-free and vegan. It’s an easy-to-follow guide that will help you create a brag-worthy bread that’s both nourishing and utterly delicious. The combination of cinnamon, tahini, and walnuts creates a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. So, grab your riper-than-ripe bananas and your favorite jar of runny tahini, and let’s get baking this incredible loaf!

This Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread isn’t just a simple baked good; it’s a testament to how incredible vegan and gluten-free baking can be. Building upon the success of my previous banana bread recipes, this version introduces the distinct nutty, slightly savory flavor of tahini, creating a depth that is truly irresistible and sets it apart. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, not only adds a unique taste but also contributes to the bread’s incredible moisture and richness, making it truly special. My longstanding secret for achieving the absolute best vegan and gluten-free texture lies in a carefully balanced blend of almond flour and oat flour! This dynamic duo ensures a moist, tender crumb that holds together beautifully, without any of the denseness or dryness often associated with gluten-free alternatives. The result is a loaf that’s surprisingly light, yet satisfyingly rich and full-bodied.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread

Crafting this exceptional banana bread requires a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in creating the bread’s unique flavor profile and perfect texture, contributing to a delicious and healthier baked good. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this delightful vegan and gluten-free loaf:

• Ground Flaxseed: This is used to create “flax eggs,” acting as a powerful plant-based binder and a healthy substitute for traditional eggs, which is essential for successful vegan baking. It helps hold the bread together and adds a boost of omega-3s.
• Unrefined Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that lends a subtle caramel note and is a healthier, less processed alternative to refined sugars. It contributes to the bread’s natural sweetness without being overly sugary, enhancing the banana and cinnamon flavors.
• Mashed Bananas: The star of the show! It is crucial to use extremely ripe, spotty bananas for this recipe. They provide intense natural sweetness and essential moisture, giving the bread its signature flavor and a lovely soft texture. The riper, the better!
• Runny Tahini: This creamy sesame paste is a hero ingredient, adding incredible richness, a subtle nutty flavor, and extra moisture that elevates the bread beyond a traditional banana loaf. Make sure your tahini is well-stirred and smooth for optimal incorporation into the batter.
• Gluten-Free Oat Flour: Contributes a soft, slightly chewy texture and a wholesome, earthy flavor to the bread. It complements the almond flour beautifully, adding depth and a comforting homestyle feel.
• Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour: This superfine grind is key for a light and tender crumb, providing excellent structure and a delicate nutty taste without adding any gluten. It’s my go-to for superior gluten-free baking results.
• Baking Powder: The primary leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully, ensuring a light, airy, and fluffy texture rather than a dense, heavy loaf.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice that brings warmth, depth, and a classic comforting aroma to the bread. It perfectly complements the sweet bananas and nutty tahini, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Walnuts: Crushed walnuts add a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats, enhancing the overall texture and nutritional value of the bread. They provide a satisfying bite and a rich, earthy note.

That’s truly all you need for this simple yet sophisticated recipe. Each ingredient is purposefully chosen to deliver an outstanding vegan and gluten-free banana bread experience, packed with flavor and wholesome goodness. This carefully curated list ensures a delicious and guilt-free treat!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Bread

Preparing this Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread is a straightforward and enjoyable process, designed for ease and efficiency, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create your perfect, moist, and flavorful loaf:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Loaf Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, meticulously prepare a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. My preferred method, and one I highly recommend for effortless cleanup, is to line it completely with parchment paper. Allow a generous overhang on the long sides; this creates “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the baked loaf out of the pan once it’s done, often saving you from having to wash the pan altogether! If parchment paper isn’t available, you can lightly grease the pan with coconut oil or another non-stick spray, ensuring all inner surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Your Flax Egg. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with filtered water. Give it a quick stir to ensure the flaxseed is fully moistened, and then allow it to sit undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes. During this crucial time, the flaxseed will absorb the water and thicken, forming a gelatinous, egg-like consistency. This “flax egg” acts as a powerful binder in vegan baking, providing structure and holding the ingredients together without the need for traditional eggs.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients. Once your flax egg has perfectly gelled, add the mashed ripe bananas, runny tahini, and coconut sugar to the same large bowl. Use a whisk or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until all components are well combined and the mixture appears homogenous. Don’t worry if there are a few small chunks of banana remaining; a perfectly puréed texture isn’t necessary, and these small pieces can even add a lovely natural texture and bursts of banana flavor to the finished bread. The key is to ensure the tahini and coconut sugar are evenly distributed throughout the wet mixture, creating a flavorful base for your bread.

The Magic of Oat and Almond Flour for Superior Gluten-Free Baking

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. This is where the magic of our gluten-free flour blend truly shines, creating the perfect texture for this vegan banana bread. Sift the gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon directly into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Sifting is an important step, especially with gluten-free flours, as it helps to break up any lumps, aerate the flours, and ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This leads to a smoother batter and a more consistent, tender texture in the final product. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined.

As I’ve highlighted before, I consistently rely on Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour for all my vegan baked goods, and this Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread is no exception! Its superior quality and fine grind make it an indispensable pantry staple for crafting perfect breads, muffins, and cookies. I always make sure to have a bag on hand because it delivers exceptional results every time, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome.

This specific almond flour is a game-changer; it contributes to a batter consistency that is wonderfully fluffy and moist, all without the need for any added oils or excess fat. Beyond its remarkable textural benefits, almond flour also imparts a delicate, subtle nutty flavor that enhances the bread’s overall taste profile without being overwhelming. It’s truly a must-have ingredient for anyone venturing into vegan, gluten-free, or grain-free baking, offering both fantastic results and a delightful taste. The finished batter should be thick enough to hold its shape somewhat but still pourable, with no visible clumps of dry flour. It’s important to avoid overmixing, as this can activate any latent gluten (if present in other ingredients) or simply lead to a tougher texture in gluten-free baking, so mix just until combined.

Adding Your Favorite Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture

Step 5: Fold in the Walnuts. Now it’s time to add a delightful crunch and extra dimension to your Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread. Gently fold in the crushed walnuts to the batter. Mix just enough to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture without overworking the batter. Walnuts not only provide a satisfying, slightly bitter crunch but also add a wonderful earthy flavor and a generous dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids to each slice, enhancing both the taste and nutritional profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with other mix-ins like dark chocolate chips for a touch of decadence, dried cranberries for a tart burst, or pecans for a different nutty note. Feel free to customize this step to your liking!

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Garnish. Carefully pour the prepared batter into your parchment-lined loaf pan, gently spreading it evenly with a spatula. For an extra touch of aesthetic appeal, and a burst of fresh banana flavor that visually hints at the star ingredient, consider topping the loaf with a thinly sliced banana arranged lengthwise down the center or a sprinkle of additional crushed walnuts. I personally love the look of a sliced whole banana elegantly placed on top, just like you see in these photos – it signals the deliciousness within and makes the loaf even more inviting!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-65 minutes. Baking times can vary quite a bit depending on your specific oven and the moisture content of your bananas, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your loaf. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center of the bread comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. For my oven, I often find that around the 60-minute mark is the sweet spot for perfect “done-ness,” achieving a moist interior without being undercooked. As the baking time approaches, check your bread frequently and adjust the duration as needed – a few extra minutes can make all the difference for a perfectly cooked interior and a golden crust.

Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Bread

Step 8: Cool and Slice. Once your Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread is baked to perfection, resist the urge to slice into it immediately! This step is crucial for achieving the best possible texture. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period helps the loaf to firm up, settle, and prevents it from crumbling when you transfer it. After 10 minutes, gently lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. While it’s tempting to enjoy a warm slice right away – and it will still taste absolutely amazing! – please note that the bread’s texture will firm up and develop fully as it cools, leading to cleaner slices and a more enjoyable eating experience. Patience, in this case, will truly be rewarded with a perfectly structured crumb and superior flavor.

Serving Suggestions: This Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways throughout the day. It makes a fantastic, wholesome breakfast, especially when lightly toasted to bring out its warm flavors, and topped with an extra dollop of your favorite nut butter (like almond or cashew butter), a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweetness, or even a decadent drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered coconut sugar. It’s also a wonderful addition to a vibrant yogurt bowl, providing substance and flavor, or crumbled over oatmeal. For a delightful afternoon snack or a wholesome dessert, pair a slice with your favorite coffee or a comforting cup of herbal tea. The unique combination of cinnamon, tahini, and walnuts offers a sophisticated twist that elevates any meal or moment, making it a truly special treat.

Storage Tips: To keep your delicious bread fresh and flavorful, store any leftover Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer-term enjoyment, this banana bread freezes beautifully. Simply slice the cooled loaf into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab a single serving whenever a craving strikes! When you’re ready for a treat, just grab a slice, thaw it at room temperature, or gently warm it in the oven, toaster oven, or even a microwave for a few seconds to regain that freshly baked taste and soft texture.

Enjoy every delightful, wholesome bite of this extraordinary Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread!

Explore More Vegan & Gluten-Free Bread Recipes

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread, you’ll be thrilled to discover even more delicious and wholesome vegan and gluten-free bread recipes from Flora & Vino. Each recipe is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful and satisfying baking experience without compromising on flavor, texture, or health benefits. Expand your baking repertoire and find your next favorite loaf with these fantastic options:

• Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread (A gentle reminder of this star recipe, perfect for revisiting!)

• Strawberry Banana Bread (A fruity, fresh twist on the classic, bursting with vibrant berry flavor.)

• 1-Bowl Orange Cranberry Bread (Bright, zesty, and effortlessly made in one bowl, perfect for breakfast or brunch.)

• Dark Chocolate Banana Bread (An indulgent and rich option for serious chocolate lovers, a truly decadent treat.)

• Black Sesame Butter Banana Bread (An adventurous flavor profile with unique depth, offering a sophisticated nutty taste.)

• 1-Bowl Butternut Bread (A savory-sweet option showcasing seasonal squash, perfect for autumn baking.)

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread (A classic comfort food with warm spices and chewy raisins, ideal for toasting.)

• Blueberry Banana Breakfast Bread (Bursting with juicy blueberries for a refreshing and naturally sweet start to your day.)

• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread (Another chocolatey favorite, with delightful chunks of rich sweetness scattered throughout.)

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread (Seasonal pumpkin meets rich chocolate for a truly decadent and festive treat.)

• 1-Bowl Tahini Date Nut Bread (Sweet, chewy dates and nutty tahini combine for a wholesome and satisfying loaf, all in one bowl.)

• Pumpkin Spice Bread (The iconic flavors of autumn captured in a delightful, aromatic bread that’s perfect for the season.)

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Your feedback is invaluable and genuinely inspires us to create even more delicious and wholesome recipes. If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with us! We’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you, any modifications you made, or simply how much you enjoyed it.

Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts, a star rating, and a detailed review. Your insights are incredibly helpful, not just for us as creators, but also for other enthusiastic bakers in the community who are looking for their next favorite recipe. Your feedback helps our community grow and thrive!

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