
This Salted Caramel Banana Cake transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a decadent dessert that feels indulgent while remaining gluten-free and naturally sweetened. The perfect balance of tender almond flour cake, creamy frosting, and rich salted caramel creates a treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the refined sugar crash.
I discovered this recipe when looking for a healthier dessert that didn't sacrifice flavor or texture. The combination of natural sweeteners and rich caramel won over even my most skeptical dessert-loving friends!
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Bananas: Choose very ripe, heavily speckled ones for maximum sweetness
- Almond Flour: Use blanched, fine-ground for the best cake-like texture
- Almond Butter: Creates a rich caramel without dairy or refined sugar
- Coconut Oil: Its slight sweetness complements the banana beautifully
- Maple Syrup: Provides depth of flavor beyond just sweetness
Detailed Baking Instructions
- Banana Preparation:
- Mash thoroughly for even distribution throughout the batter
- Oil Integration:
- Ensure coconut oil is just melted, not hot, to prevent cooking the eggs
- Batter Mixing:
- Fold wet and dry ingredients gently for the tenderest texture
- Pan Preparation:
- Parchment paper prevents sticking and assists with removal
- Caramel Technique:
- Heat slowly to prevent separation or burning
- Frosting Application:
- Wait until cake is completely cooled to avoid melting
- Final Assembly:
- Drizzle caramel just before serving for the most beautiful presentation

My nutritionist friend says this cake proves that "healthy desserts don't have to taste like cardboard" - a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with!
Perfect Pairings
Serve with a scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream for a truly special dessert, or alongside a cup of cinnamon tea for an afternoon treat.

After making this cake countless times, I've found it's more than just a dessert - it's a way to satisfy sweet cravings with ingredients that actually nourish the body. The combination of natural sweetness, wholesome fats, and rich flavors creates something that feels indulgent while providing sustained energy rather than a sugar crash.
Recipe Tips & FAQs
- → Can I use only maple syrup or honey?
- Yes, you can use only one sweetener, but using both adds a unique flavor.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, use non-dairy cream cheese for the frosting.
- → Can I use a different nut butter?
- Absolutely! Cashew butter or any nut butter works well for the caramel sauce.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.