Gluten Free Banana Cake

This Gluten-Free Banana Cake is the perfect blend of moist texture and natural sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Made with wholesome almond flour, ripe bananas, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, this cake is ideal for those looking for a healthier dessert option without compromising flavor. The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy finish, while the salted caramel drizzle provides an indulgent touch. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply love banana desserts, this easy recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons – 1/4 cup maple syrup (to taste)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, mashed bananas, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick, which is normal.

5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fluffy and smooth. Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired.

7. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and coarse salt until smooth and creamy.

8. Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle with the salted caramel sauce, and serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gluten-Free Banana Cake is a delicious, guilt-free dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. The combination of ripe bananas, almond flour, and natural sweeteners creates a moist, light cake. Topped with creamy frosting and indulgent salted caramel sauce, it’s a treat that everyone will love—whether or not they follow a gluten-free diet.

Tips

• Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
• For a lighter, fluffier cake, be sure to measure the almond flour properly (spoon and level it into your measuring cup).
• To make the salted caramel sauce extra smooth, warm the almond butter slightly before mixing it with the syrup and coconut oil.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the honey for maple syrup.
• Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, substitute almond flour with oat flour and almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just frost it right before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Is the cream cheese frosting optional?
While the frosting is highly recommended for added flavor, you can skip it and drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the cake for a simpler option.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve the cake as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Garnish with extra banana slices or chopped nuts for an added touch of freshness and texture.