Salted Caramel Banana Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that strikes just the right balance of comforting and elegant, you’re in for a treat with this Salted Caramel Banana Cake. Imagine tender, nutty layers of almond flour banana cake swirled with luscious cream cheese frosting, then finished with a homemade salted caramel sauce that’s silky and rich without being overly sweet. With nutrient-dense ingredients and crave-worthy flavors, this cake is a wholesome yet indulgent show-stopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Salted Caramel Banana Cake is how the humble, everyday ingredients—bananas, almond flour, coconut oil, and a handful of pantry staples—come together to make something completely irresistible. Each element plays a role in creating that moist crumb, dreamy frosting, and decadent caramel drizzle.
- Almond flour: Gives the cake a tender crumb, subtle nutty taste, and makes it gluten-free.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness that pairs beautifully with bananas and caramel.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Ensure the cake is light and has a gentle rise.
- Coconut oil, melted: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle hint of coconut.
- Ripe bananas, mashed: Provide natural sweetness, flavor depth, and plush texture.
- Maple syrup: Brings a rich, earthy sweetness that blends perfectly with banana and caramel.
- Honey: Boosts sweetness and complexity—using a mix with maple syrup makes the cake extra flavorful.
- Eggs, room temperature: Help bind the cake and contribute to its loft and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens every bite.
- Cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy base for the tangy frosting.
- Maple syrup (for the frosting): Sweetens the frosting with a floral, caramel-like note.
- Almond butter: Forms the backbone of the caramel, lending richness and a velvety texture.
- Coconut oil (for the caramel): Creates a glossy, pourable finish for the sauce.
- Coarse salt: Sprinkled into the caramel, it makes the sweet flavors pop.
How to Make Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit to overhang for easy lifting. Trust me, this trick saves you the trouble of trying to pry out your beautiful cake later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are what set the foundation of flavor and structure in your Salted Caramel Banana Cake. A quick, thorough whisking ensures even distribution, so every bite bakes up just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. The bananas should be thoroughly mashed to avoid chunks, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture in the finished cake. The combination of maple and honey gives the cake a unique, nuanced sweetness.
Step 4: Bring Together the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture, and gently stir until just combined. Almond flour batters are always thick; that’s normal! Avoid over-mixing, or you’ll end up with a dense cake. Once you see no more dry pockets, you’re done.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth
Spoon the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes up level and pretty. An even surface will help ensure your cream cheese frosting spreads like a dream later on.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake should be lightly browned, and the center should feel firm to the touch, not jiggly. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting—patience is key here!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup together until fluffy with either a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer. Start with 3 tablespoons of syrup and add up to a quarter cup, depending on your personal sweetness level and the ripeness of your bananas. When the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Step 8: Whip Up the Salted Caramel
For the star finish, stir together the almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and coarse salt until velvety smooth. This no-cook caramel is so simple, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. Pour or drizzle it over your frosted cake just before serving for maximum drama and flavor.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Garnishes
A flourish of toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch, while slices of fresh banana look stunning against the creamy backdrop. For something extra-sparkly, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel sauce brings out all those deep, golden flavors in Salted Caramel Banana Cake.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the fun! A cup of dark roast coffee or a chai latte goes hand-in-hand with the warm, spiced notes of the cake. For celebrations, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or some fresh berries for a juicy, tart contrast that keeps things from getting too rich.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Salted Caramel Banana Cake into festive bars for a potluck, layer slices into a trifle with extra whipped cream and caramel sauce, or cut small squares and skewer them for a playful, party-ready dessert platter. No matter how you slice it, this cake is a real conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen by the next day, and the cake stays beautifully moist for up to four days.
Freezing
The unfrosted cake freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce for the freshest taste.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, let a slice come to room temperature, or zap it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Add your caramel drizzle after warming, so it melts dreamily into the frosting!
FAQs
Can I use all honey or all maple syrup?
Absolutely! You can use just one or the other depending on what you have on hand or your personal taste. The mix of both adds complexity, but the cake is still delicious with just one type of liquid sweetener.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Salted Caramel Banana Cake is naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour. Just be sure any additional decorations or mix-ins are also gluten-free if you have dietary needs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular cream cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative. The rest of the cake and caramel layers are already dairy-free, making it easy to accommodate plant-based diets.
What can I use instead of almond butter in the caramel sauce?
Cashew butter is a fantastic swap since it’s neutral and creamy. Peanut butter works too, though it adds a distinct, nutty flavor that’s delicious in its own right.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake should be lightly golden and the center should feel set when you press it gently; a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Every oven is different, so start checking at 35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Banana Cake is pure magic—simple to make, decadent to eat, and sure to become a cherished favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and watch this comfort-filled cake steal the show. Happy baking!
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Salted Caramel Banana Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Salted Caramel Banana Cake, a moist almond flour cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup*
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature*
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp – 1/4 cup maple syrup, to taste
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup almond butter*
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 tsp coarse salt
Instructions
- Cake: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Mix dry ingredients, then mix wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form batter. Pour into pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup until fluffy. Spread on cooled cake.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cake.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amounts of maple syrup and honey used.
- Non-dairy cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Almond or cashew butter is recommended for the caramel sauce, but any nut butter can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Banana Cake, Almond Flour Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Salted Caramel Sauce, Dessert Recipe
