Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free)

There are few things more comforting than the warm aroma of banana cake wafting through the kitchen. But when you top that banana cake with a fluffy maple-sweetened cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce? That’s pure magic. This Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free) is a show-stopping dessert that tastes like banana bread and vanilla cake had the most delicious baby.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a birthday cake alternative, or simply craving something cozy, this gluten-free banana cake delivers rich flavor, perfect texture, and the ultimate caramel finish.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Banana Cake

• Gluten-free & naturally sweetened: Almond flour, maple syrup, and honey keep things wholesome.
• Moist & fluffy: The texture is light and cake-like, not dense like banana bread.
• Creamy frosting + silky caramel: A dreamy combo of tangy and sweet.
• Easy to make: One bowl for dry, one for wet—simple enough for weekday baking.
• Seasonless appeal: Cozy in winter, fresh and sweet in summer.

Inspired by Classic American Flavors

This recipe is a nod to classic American baking—banana bread, cream cheese frosting, and caramel sauce are all iconic comfort staples. But it also embraces modern, health-conscious twists with gluten-free almond flour, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners. The result is a dessert that’s deeply nostalgic, yet lighter and easier to digest. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, you won’t miss the wheat here.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup maple syrup*
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup maple syrup, to taste

Salted Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup almond butter*
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ teaspoon coarse salt

*Tip: Use pure maple syrup and natural almond butter for best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″ or 9″ baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

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

In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, mashed bananas, maple syrup, honey, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a thick, cohesive batter forms.

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer or using hand beaters, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth and fluffy. Start with 3 tablespoons of syrup and adjust to taste.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and salt until smooth and glossy.

Drizzle the salted caramel over the frosted cake just before serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and adding caramel.
• Make ahead: You can make the cake and frosting a day in advance. Assemble before serving for best texture.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle.
• No almond butter? Peanut butter or cashew butter work well, though flavor will vary.
• Frosting-free option: The cake is delicious on its own, served with tea or coffee.

When to Serve This Banana Cake

This Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free) is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

• A brunch centerpiece with coffee or mimosas
• A birthday cake for gluten-free guests
• A holiday dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas
• A cozy afternoon tea cake

Whether served chilled in summer or warm in winter, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flour?
This recipe is specifically developed for almond flour. Swapping in other flours (like coconut or oat) will change the texture significantly.

Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all! The natural sweeteners keep it balanced. The caramel drizzle adds an optional boost of indulgence.

Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes—bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes and frost as individual treats.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free) is what dessert dreams are made of—moist banana cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and luscious, naturally sweet caramel. It’s easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to enjoy year-round. Best of all, it’s made with better-for-you ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor.

So whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a slice of comfort, this banana cake is ready to deliver.