Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour (ground blanched almonds)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas (1 cup, peeled and mashed with a fork)
- 3 tbsp almond milk
- 3 tbsp vegan butter (melted) + additional for brushing
- 3 tbsp almond butter
Nuts and Toppings
- 2/3 cup pecans (chopped, plus 2 tbsp reserved for topping)
- 1 banana (halved lengthways for topping)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 3 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and tin: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard 9×5-inch baking tin with parchment paper, then spray or brush the parchment with vegan butter to prevent sticking.
- Roast the pecans: Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking tray and roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool, then roughly chop. Set aside 2 tablespoons for topping the bread later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and sweetness.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the almond milk, melted vegan butter, and almond butter until smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Then fold in the mashed bananas and chopped pecans gently with a spatula, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, coconut sugar, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
- Layer the batter and cinnamon swirl: Spread one-third of the batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking tin. Dollop one-third of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a sharp knife or toothpick to create a swirl pattern. Repeat layering two more times, ending with the batter and swirl on top, so there are three layers in total.
- Add banana topping and pecans: Press the two banana halves, cut side up, onto the top of the batter. Brush them lightly with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with the reserved chopped pecans.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness. If the bread starts browning too much after 20 minutes, loosely cover the tin with foil to prevent overbrowning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The bananas should be very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Use parchment paper lining for easy removal without sticking.
- Roasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan