Salted Caramel Banana Cake

There’s something irresistibly comforting about banana cake—the kind that takes you back to cozy weekends at grandma’s house. My version of this classic American favorite gets a rich twist with a luscious salted caramel sauce and a fluffy cream cheese frosting. Inspired by both nostalgia and my passion for gluten-free baking, this Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free) blends the heartiness of banana bread with the tender crumb of a well-made cake. Whether you’re baking it for a summer potluck or a winter gathering, this cake is bound to win hearts year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free)

• Naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour
• Perfectly moist with the help of ripe bananas and natural sweeteners
• Rich in flavor with warm cinnamon, vanilla, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel
• A delightful mix of textures from the fluffy cake to creamy frosting and smooth caramel
• Easy to prepare in just a couple of hours, including cooling and frosting

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3–4 tbsp maple syrup, to taste

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ tsp coarse sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, maple syrup, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the cake is golden and firm in the center.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla and maple syrup, and beat until fluffy and fully combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and sea salt until smooth and glossy.
2. If your almond butter is thick, warm it slightly before mixing to help it blend easily.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Drizzle with the salted caramel sauce. For an extra touch, use a spoon to create pretty swirls or patterns.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free)

• Use spotty bananas – The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
• Chill before slicing – For clean slices, refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before cutting.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
• Add crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter or sprinkled on top.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.
• Pair with coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy snack.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make ahead: Bake the cake and refrigerate (unfrosted) for up to 2 days. Add frosting and caramel before serving.

Share Your Twist!

Did you try this Salted Caramel Banana Cake (Gluten Free)? Share your version on social media and tag me! I love seeing how you bring your own creativity to the kitchen. Did you add chocolate chips? Swap the frosting for whipped cream? Let’s inspire each other to make baking joyful and inclusive!

📖 Recipe