Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gluten-Free & Moist: The almond flour and ripe bananas give a soft, luxurious crumb.

• Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup and honey make it both flavorful and less processed.

• Simple & Impressive: Easy-to-follow steps result in an elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Balanced Flavors: Cream cheese frosting and salty caramel elevate the sweet banana base.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cake
  . almond flour
  . cinnamon
  . baking soda
  . baking powder
  . coconut oil (melted)
  . ripe bananas (mashed)
  . maple syrup
  . honey
  . eggs (room temperature)
  . vanilla extract
  . salt
• Cream Cheese Frosting
  . cream cheese (dairy or non-dairy, room temperature)
  . vanilla extract
  . maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Salted Caramel Sauce
  . almond butter or cashew butter
  . maple syrup
  . coconut oil (melted)
  . coarse salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line an 8- or 9-inch cake pan with parchment.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

3. In another bowl, blend melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry until just mixed — the batter should be thick.

5. Spread into the pan and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm to touch.

6. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

7. For the frosting: beat cream cheese with vanilla and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.

8. For the caramel: whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt until silky.

9. Frost the cooled cake, then drizzle with the salted caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 8–10 slices (depending on portions)

• Prep time: Around 20 minutes

• Bake time: 35–40 minutes

• Cooling & assembly: About 1 hour total

Variations

• Nut-free: Substitute almond flour and almond butter with sunflower seed flour and sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly option.

• Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warm flavor.

• Chocolate twist: Stir in gluten-free chocolate chips.

• Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) and plant-based cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store loosely covered for about 2–3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 4 days—bring to room temperature before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight before frosting.

• Reheating: Gently reheat unfrosted slices for 10–15 seconds in the microwave and add caramel if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes — use flax eggs and plant-based cream cheese. You may need slight adjustments to texture and bake time.

2. How do I store leftover salted caramel sauce?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Warm gently before using.

3. Can I swap almond flour for another gluten-free flour?

Almond flour gives the best texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, noting that results may vary.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

It should be lightly golden and springy to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

5. Nut-free option available?

Yes ,  use sunflower seed flour and sunflower seed butter in place of almond-based ingredients.

6. Best way to measure bananas?

Use very ripe bananas with spots , they are sweeter and mash easily to give optimal moisture.

7. Can I skip honey or maple syrup?

You don’t need both; either works on its own, though the combination offers a richer flavor.

8. Can I make this ahead?

Yes — bake layers ahead, store unfrosted in freezer, and assemble later.

9. Why use cream cheese frosting?

It adds tang and creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet banana and caramel flavors.

10. Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?

Absolutely  adding small amounts enhances warmth and depth in cooler seasons.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Banana Cake is a delightful twist on classic banana bread — transformed into an elegant, moist, gluten-free dessert with layers of flavor from natural sweeteners, tangy frosting, and rich salted caramel. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressive to serve, and versatile enough to adapt for dietary needs or seasonal flair. Perfect for any celebration or cozy treat—enjoy!

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