Paleo Almond Butter Banana Bread

Name: Almond Butter Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups Blanched almond flour ((160 grams)); 3/4 cup Tapioca starch ((90 grams)); 2 tsp Baking powder (See notes for GF/paleo); 1 tsp Sea salt; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1 rounded cup Mashed overripe banana (3 small or 2 large bananas, peeled and mashed (280 grams)); 2 large Eggs; 1/2 cup Maple syrup; 1/2 cup Unsweetened almond butter (Drippy and smooth (125 grams)); 1 tsp Vanilla extract

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This Paleo Almond Butter Banana Bread is soft, sweet, and full of nutty flavor. Made without grains, oil, or refined sugar, it’s a wholesome option for breakfast, a snack, or a little something sweet after dinner.

Almond Butter Banana Bread on a plate next to milk and bananas.

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What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
Possible Substitutions
How to Make Paleo Almond Butter Banana Bread
Commonly Asked Questions
Dietitian Notes
Recipe Tips
Try These Other Baking Recipes
📖 Recipe

Banana bread is always a classic, and this paleo version made with almond butter is a nourishing twist you’ll want on repeat!

It’s soft, naturally sweetened, and full of rich banana flavor with just the right hint of nuttiness from the almond butter. Made without grains or refined sugar, it’s perfect for a quick breakfast, packed lunch, or a comforting afternoon treat. Enjoy it as-is, or warm up a slice and slather on a little dairy-free butter (I like Miyoko's) or almond butter for something extra cozy.

In 2023, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and had to return to a strict paleo diet to manage this diagnosis. Surprisingly, it has allowed me to fall back in love with recipe development. With recipes like this banana bread, it is hard to feel like you are missing anything by not eating grains and dairy!

Want to try other paleo baked goods? Try these Almond Flour Banana Nut Muffins or these Paleo Banana Espresso Muffins.

What I Love About This Recipe

This almond butter banana bread is a go-to healthy treat around here — and for good reason! Here is why I love it:

✔ Naturally Sweet & Nutty – Ultra-moist and full of rich banana flavor with a toasty almond butter twist. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and satisfying.

✔ Anytime Favorite – Whether it’s breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-dinner treat, this loaf fits the bill. Kid-approved and adored by adults.

✔ Simple, Wholesome Ingredients – Made without grains, dairy, or refined sugar. Just real food that tastes really, really good.

Need more wholesome and unique banana bread recipes? Try this Chickpea Flour Banana Bread, these Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins, or this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Banana Bread (Maple Syrup Sweetened!).

Ingredients

Overripe Bananas – For the best results, mash your bananas before measuring to get an accurate amount — about 280 grams or 1 rounded (very full) cup. Using frozen bananas? Just be sure they’re fully thawed and any excess liquid is drained off. And here’s a tip: the riper and spottier your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be — perfect for this lightly sweetened recipe!

Blanched Almond Flour – Blanched ultra-fine almond flour is the ideal choice for baking, as it’s light and fluffy, giving your baked goods a texture similar to traditional recipes when combined with starch or other flours. I usually pick up my almond flour from Costco—it's both high-quality and budget-friendly.

These Almond Flour Cocoa Cookies and Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies are a few of my favorite almond flour recipes!

Tapioca Starch – Tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch) helps add lightness to the recipe. While almond flour can be a bit dense on its own, tapioca flour makes the bread wonderfully soft and tender.

Almond Butter – A smooth, drippy almond butter that only contains almonds (and maybe salt) should be used in this almond butter banana bread. I also like to purchase this ingredient from Costco.

See the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.

Possible Substitutions

Cassava flour can be used in place of tapioca starch. I haven’t tested other alternatives for this ingredient, but you can typically swap in potato starch, arrowroot starch, or cornstarch for tapioca starch without affecting the final result.
I haven't tested other nut butters in this recipe, but I predict that unsweetened natural peanut butter or cashew butter will work perfectly—look for options that contain only nuts and salt.
Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, but keep in mind that honey tends to produce a darker color when baked.
I have not tested any egg replacements in this recipe.

If you try any substitutions in this recipe, please let us know what works in the comments below!

How to Make Paleo Almond Butter Banana Bread

Mixing of dry ingredients for almond butter banana bread.

Step 1:In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon) and stir together until there are no lumps. Set aside.

Measuring mashed bananas for almond butter banana bread.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork. Measure out 1 rounded cup of mashed banana (or 280 grams) and discard the rest.

Mixing of wet ingredients for almond butter banana bread.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients (mashed banana, eggs, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla) in the large mixing bowl and whisk together so that there are no lumps and everything is well incorporated.

Combining wet and dry ingredients for almond butter banana bread.

Step 4: Add dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients and stir together until there are no lumps or streaks.

Batter for paleo almond butter banana bread in bread pan.

Step 5: Grease and line a 9-inch standard bread pan with parchment paper. Transfer the batter to the pan and spread it evenly using a rubber spatula.

Baked loaf of paleo almond butter banana bread in bread pan.

Step 6: Place the bread in an oven preheated to 350 F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out cleanly. Turn the oven off and let the bread sit inside the oven for an additional 5 minutes with the heat off and the oven door cracked.

Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift the bread from the pan.

Sliced loaf of Almond Butter Banana Bread.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I store paleo almond butter banana bread?

This banana bread can be stored at room temperature. Allow the bread to cool fully before placing it in an airtight container, Ziploc bag, or wrapping in tin foil. Allowing it to cool will help prevent condensation, keeping the bread from getting soggy. Consume within 4-5 days for best quality.

To freeze, allow the bread to cool, slice it, and then place it in a resealable freezer bag with parchment paper between each slice. Doing this will allow you to pull individual slices from the freezer. Just pop a frozen slice into the microwave and warm on high for about 30 seconds. Frozen banana bread will be good for about 2 months in the freezer if properly sealed and stored.

How can I make paleo baking powder?

Commercial baking powder can contain corn, gluten, and/or aluminum. If you need to follow a strict paleo or gluten-free diet, you can make your own baking powder by combining 1 part baking soda and 2 parts cream of tartar. Store it in a sealed airtight jar at room temperature, stir before use, and use as needed.

Why did my banana bread sink?

Sinking banana bread usually occurs when the center is underbaked. To combat this, poke the center of the bread with a toothpick and see if it comes out cleanly. If it does, the bread is done. Leave the bread in the oven after it is shut off for another 5 minutes with the door cracked to allow it to begin to cool slowly.

Dietitian Notes

Blood Sugar-Friendly: Made with almond flour, this banana bread is lower in carbs and helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
High in Protein: Each slice provides a satisfying 8 grams of protein, making it a great option for fueling your day.
Rich in Fiber: With 3 grams of fiber per slice, it supports digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Nutrient-Packed: Almond flour adds healthy fats and important vitamins, while bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium.

Recipe Tips

When lining the bread pan with parchment paper, leave two tabs of parchment paper on either side of the bread pan. These can be used to lift the bread from the pan so that it can be removed easily.
Mashed bananas should be measured in a very full (rounded) cup or 280 grams mashed.
Try using unsweetened peanut butter in place of almond butter and add in some chocolate chips for a fun variation!