Salted Caramel Banana Cake

As Seen In Sweet Treats & Baked Goods.

This Salted Caramel Banana Cake is a gluten-free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with almond flour, ripe bananas, and a blend of maple syrup and honey, it’s moist, flavorful, and naturally sweetened. Topped with creamy frosting and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 2 hours, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Sarah Recipes
Recipe by Sarah Sarah
Fresh from the Kitchen: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:22:21 GMT
A slice of cake with bananas on top. Save for Later
A slice of cake with bananas on top. | recipesaddicts.com

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
A slice of cake with bananas on top. Save for Later
A slice of cake with bananas on top. | recipesaddicts.com

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.

A slice of cake with bananas and caramel sauce on top. Save for Later
A slice of cake with bananas and caramel sauce on top. | recipesaddicts.com

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.

Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Salted Caramel

This Salted Caramel Banana Cake is a gluten-free treat that combines the flavors of banana bread and vanilla cake. Topped with cream cheese frosting and salted caramel, it’s irresistible!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cooking Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
Recipe by Sarah: Sarah

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Style of Cooking: American

Makes: 8 Serves (1 cake)

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Cake

01 2 ½ cups almond flour
02 1 teaspoon cinnamon
03 ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 ½ teaspoon baking powder
05 ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
06 2 ripe bananas, mashed
07 ¼ cup maple syrup
08 ¼ cup honey
09 2 eggs, room temperature
10 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
11 ½ teaspoon salt

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 3 tablespoons – ¼ cup maple syrup, to taste

→ Salted Caramel Sauce

15 ½ cup almond butter
16 ¼ cup maple syrup
17 ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
18 ¼ teaspoon coarse salt

Let's Cook!

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the coconut oil, bananas, eggs, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Step 04

Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until it forms a batter. The batter will be thick. Pour the batter into the baking pan, smoothing the top so it's flat. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cake is lightly browned and the center is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack.

Step 05

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and maple syrup until fluffy. Start with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and add more to taste. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake.

Step 06

Mix all caramel sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth. Drizzle the sauce on top of the cake and serve.

Cook's Notes

  1. You could certainly use only maple syrup or only honey to sweeten this cake, but I like the unique flavors that come from using both.
  2. Feel free to use a non-dairy cream cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free.
  3. Almond butter or cashew butter are great choices for the base of the caramel sauce because of their neutral flavor, but you can use any nut butter you'd like!

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Stand mixer (optional)

Allergy Notes

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts (almond flour, almond butter)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are carefully calculated estimates. For precise dietary needs, please consult a nutritionist.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 8 g