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Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with this Salted Caramel Banana Cake. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, creamy goodness of salted caramel, all wrapped up in a moist, almond flour cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
I first discovered the magic of combining bananas and caramel when I was experimenting with healthier dessert options. The result was this Salted Caramel Banana Cake, which has since become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and create something truly special.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 1 hour (including baking and cooling time)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and cream cheese. This will ensure a smooth batter and fluffy frosting. Also, line your baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Cake | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coconut oil, melted | 1/4 cup |
| Ripe bananas, mashed | 2 |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs, room temperature | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Quantity |
| Cream cheese, room temperature | 12 ounces |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Maple syrup, to taste | 3 tablespoons – 1/4 cup |
| Salted Caramel Sauce | Quantity |
| Almond butter | 1/2 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Coconut oil, melted | 1/4 cup |
| Coarse salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″ or 9″ baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned and the center is firm to the touch.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fluffy. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Prepare the caramel sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and coarse salt until smooth.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake, slice, and enjoy!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure your bananas are ripe and well-mashed. This will give your cake a natural sweetness and moist texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese substitute. To store, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 3 months.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this 3 Ingredient Brownies With Banana Recipe for another easy and tasty treat.
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Salted Caramel Banana Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salted Caramel Banana Cake is a pure gluten-free delight. Imagine the moistest, most flavorful banana bread you’ve ever had, transformed into a fluffy cake and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and a river of rich, homemade salted caramel. The balance of sweet ripe bananas and savory sea salt makes this dessert absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
— The Banana Cake —
2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large overripe bananas, mashed (approx. 1 ½ cups)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
— The Cream Cheese Frosting —
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
— The Salted Caramel Drizzle —
½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons salted butter, cubed
¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (for a sheet cake) or two 8-inch round pans. Line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and sour cream. Stir in the mashed bananas.
4. Combine Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 30–40 minutes (adjusting for pan size) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make Caramel (While Cake Bakes): Melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber liquid. Carefully whisk in the butter (it will bubble!). Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in sea salt. Let cool to thicken.
7. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
8. Assemble: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle generously with the cooled salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt.
Notes
Bananas: The blacker the peel, the sweeter the cake. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in their skins at 300°F for 15 minutes until black.
Caramel Shortcut: You can use a high-quality jarred salted caramel sauce to save time.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, sour cream, and cream cheese. Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in the caramel.
Storage: Because of the cream cheese and caramel, store this cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 240
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Can I use a different type of flour?
While almond flour is recommended for its moist texture and nutty flavor, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours like coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
How can I make this cake vegan?
To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before drizzling it over the cake.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a decadent Salted Caramel Banana Cake that’s perfect for any celebration or just a cozy night in. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight everyone who tries it. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.