• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home By Dessert Type Breads & Muffins

Banana Cake {Gluten Free}

★★★★★ 34 Reviews Recipe Print
gf
By: Erin1/13/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Healthy Banana Cake
Healthy Banana Cake

Try out a new dessert with this gluten free Banana Cake! Made with only the most delicious ingredients, this cake uses maple syrup, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and everything else that you love.

banana cake on plate

The most delicious banana cake recipe

No matter the time of year, creating a cake from scratch always feels festive. It just so happens that I’m putting this recipe together when it actually is a festive time of year!

If you’re looking to skip the traditional pecans and pumpkins of the holiday and go with a different flavored cake, try this delicious gluten free banana cake recipe!

This cake comes together with ingredients like almond flour, cinnamon, bananas (obviously!), eggs, coconut oil, and maple syrup. And for the frosting, we use a delicious, rich blend of cream cheese and powdered sugar. It’s the ultimate frosting, and one that you’re going to crave again and again!

banana cake on plate

Ingredients in this gluten free cake

This cake consists of the cake layer and the frosting layer. Each part has its own set of ingredients, with flavorings that overlap (cinnamon, vanilla, and salt). Together, the two layers create a rich, decadent cake that you’re going to love.

Banana Cake:

  • Almond flour: The cake itself will begin with 2.5 cups of almond flour. Almond flour is a great, healthier alternative that will help this cake have a fluffy texture.
  • Baking soda: To help the batter bake properly, include 1/2 tsp of baking soda.
  • Cinnamon: For flavor, throw in 1 tsp of cinnamon!
  • Salt: Adding salt does wonders for the taste. 1/4 tsp is perfect.
  • Banana: Finally, the bananas! 1 large ripe banana will be plenty. It should amount to about 1/2 cup when mashed.
  • Eggs: Eggs help the ingredients bind properly. You will need 2.
  • Coconut oil: A baking oil is necessary, and I recommend coconut oil! You will 1/4 cup, melted.
  • Maple syrup: For a delicious sweet flavor, throw in 1/3 cup of maple syrup.
  • Vanilla: Lastly, add a splash of vanilla to round out the taste!

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese: We will kick off the frosting with Neufchatel or a reduced fat cream cheese. You will need 1 block (8 oz), softened.
  • Powdered sugar: Next, include 1 cup of powdered sugar. If you only have granulated, you can powder it by blending it in a blender or food processor.
  • Butter: Next, include 2 tbsp of softened butter.
  • Almond milk: Almond milk will help to give the frosting the correct consistency. Use 2 tbsp.
  • Vanilla: Add 1 tsp of vanilla for flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Additionally, include 1/4 tsp of cinnamon.
  • Salt: Finally, add a dash (1/4 tsp) of salt, and the frosting ingredients are complete!
banana cake on plate

Everything you’ll need to prepare this recipe

For this recipe you’ll need a number of baking tools including mixing bowls, stirring utensils, and measuring cups.

  • Bundt pan
  • Oil or nonstick spray
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Mashing tool or fork
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer
  • Spatula or knife for frosting the cake

For measuring, you will need the following sizes: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make gluten free banana cake

Some people think that baking cakes is tricky, but this recipe proves otherwise! In truth, it’s a very easy dessert to whip together. Just mix the dry ingredients, then the wet, then combine and bake! After that, prepare the frosting by mixing everything together. Voila!

To begin, preheat the oven to 350F and grease a bundt pan.

In a small bowl, mix the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Then, mash the banana in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until well combined.

Finally, pour everything into the greased bundt pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Note: If using a different type of pan, adjust the baking time accordingly.

While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until creamy. Set in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

Frost the cake once it has fully cooled.

banana cake on plate

A healthier banana cake

I love using healthy ingredient swaps in my recipes, and for this cake I used some of my favorites!

  • Almond flour: Almond flour is a great, nutrient-rich substitute for all-purpose flour. Plus, it tastes great and helps to make a rich, fluffy cake.
  • Coconut oil: Rather than using vegetable or canola oil, coconut oil is the way to go. You can use a refined version if you don’t want a coconut flavor.
  • Maple syrup: Finally, the sweetener is one of the easiest ways to go healthier! I like to use maple syrup rather than granulated sugar because it’s lower glycemic, all-natural, and extra delicious.

Recipe Tips

If planning to use a different type of pan or adding chocolate chips, here’s how!

Can I use a different type of pan?
Definitely! You can use any type of cake dish, whether a round, rectangular, or even bread size. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cake (without opening the oven door too often – use the light!) to ensure that it doesn’t over bake.

Can I add chocolate?
A little chocolate is always a good idea. If you’d like to add some, I suggest sprinkling chocolate chips on top or mixing them into the batter!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Want to indulge in some more delicious banana treats? Try these! Each recipe is flavorful, unique, and satisfying. Try the s’mores bread first… it’s the best!

  • S’mores Banana Bread
  • Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
  • Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
  • Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
banana cake on plate
banana cake on plate
★★★★★ 5 from 34 reviews

Banana Cake {Gluten Free}

Try out a new dessert with this gluten free Banana Cake! Made with only the most delicious ingredients, this cake uses maple syrup, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and everything else that you love.

Prep: 10Cook: 30Total: 40 minutes
Yield 12 slices 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Banana Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup mashed)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • splash vanilla

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 (8oz) blocks Neufchatel or reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease bundt pan. If using another pan, you will need to adjust baking time. A regular bread pan will require longer baking. Use toothpick test to see when finished.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, mash banana. Whisk in two eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until combined. Pour into greased bundt pan and bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
  5. While baking, prepare cream cheese frosting. Using a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until creamy. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes.
  6. Frost cake once it has fully cooled.
Author: ErinCategory: dessert, gluten-free, breakfastMethod: ovenCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
banana cake on plate

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • carrot cake banana bread
    Carrot Cake Banana Bread
  • Perfect Paleo Banana Bread
  • healthy banana bread slice
    Healthy Banana Bread
  • healthy peanut butter banana bread
    Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
chocolate chip cookies
free ebook

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

download now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Nina says

    Posted on 8/24 at 12:55 pm

    This was amazing. Very moist. Flavors fantastic.

    Changes I made:
    Agave instead of maple syrup.
    Monk fruit sugar (ground into a powder) instead of powered sugar.
    “Light” Laughing cow cheese instead of the other kinds of cheese
    8in circle pan (baked for 35 minutes)

    I’m hoping my changes made it lower in calories but I recommend this recipe to everyone (must use a very ripe banana).

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/24 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Nina, so happy you enjoyed the cake and made it your own! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dana says

    Posted on 3/28 at 12:19 pm

    This was so easy and was really good!! Fed it to my family and they all liked it

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/28 at 5:55 pm

      Hi Dana, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  3. Stephanie says

    Posted on 3/3 at 8:08 am

    This cake was fabulous! I added a touch of ginger, nutmeg and cloves (~1/4t each) because my dad requested a banana spice cake and I knew they would complement the cinnamon.

    It was so good I have a request to make another one next week :).

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/3 at 11:41 am

      Hi Stephanie, so happy you loved it and made it your own!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Suche says

    Posted on 10/31 at 5:30 pm

    The most PERFECT banana cake I have ever had! SO moist and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/1 at 4:13 pm

      Hi Suche, I am so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  5. Alison says

    Posted on 6/14 at 1:37 pm

    Made for my husband when he was craving a banana cake/cream cheese frosting from his favorite bakery and he just said “WOW!” He LOVED LOVED LOVED it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:22 pm

      Hi Alison, so glad he liked it!

      Reply
  6. Peyton says

    Posted on 5/16 at 11:12 pm

    This was AMAZING!!!! I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to make it again! Erin’s recipes never disappoint!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/17 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Peyton, so glad you loved the cake! Thanks for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lucille says

    Posted on 5/11 at 5:23 pm

    It is so so so delicious!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/12 at 4:58 pm

      Hi Lucille, so glad you liked the cake!

      Reply
  8. Katie says

    Posted on 4/13 at 4:58 pm

    I literally cannot believe how AMAZING this banana cake is. I used sugar free maple syrup instead of regular and used unsweetened applesauce instead of the coconut oil. I still can’t wrap my head around how good the flavor is and that I just ate like 1/3 of it in one sitting🤤😂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:02 am

      Hi Katie, so happy you loved it and made it your own!

      Reply
  9. zora says

    Posted on 2/24 at 9:22 pm

    This is so yummy!! The frosting also worked great with vegan cream cheese!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/26 at 1:09 am

      Hi Zora, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  10. Nicole Santos says

    Posted on 2/1 at 6:15 am

    Best banana cake recipe ever!!! SO easy even my 4yo helped me make it! And he gobbled up his slice after, which says a lot b/c he’s pretty picky!! Highly recommend!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/1 at 7:28 am

      Hi Nicole, I am so glad you both loved making it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Mafer says

    Posted on 2/1 at 3:17 am

    Made it for my bday and it was a hit! It didn’t last more than an hour!! So easy and so yummy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/1 at 7:27 am

      Hi Mafer, so glad you enjoyed it and happy belated!!

      Reply
  12. Katie says

    Posted on 1/31 at 7:50 pm

    New favorite. Family says, “Fabulous, incredible, taste and texture!” It’s our new favorite and will be made over and over I’m sure!!! I didn’t have dairy free cream cheese, so just did a dairy free buttercream. Worked excellent! The cake is moist, flavorful, & truly delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/31 at 8:51 pm

      Hi Katie, I am so happy you and your family loved the cake!!

      Reply
  13. Kay says

    Posted on 1/27 at 7:32 pm

    This recipe is awesome! My fiancé said “wow!” with just about every bite!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/28 at 8:01 pm

      Hi Kay, love hearing that!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  14. Ashley McTaggart says

    Posted on 1/26 at 6:56 pm

    So yummy and moist! Like a more decedent, grown up version of banana bread!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/27 at 5:51 pm

      Hi Ashley, I am so happy you liked it!

      Reply
  15. Marisa says

    Posted on 1/25 at 4:29 pm

    Made this for friends and it HIT. And everyone was shocked to find out it’s gluten free.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:40 pm

      Hi Marisa, so glad you and your friends enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  16. Karen says

    Posted on 1/23 at 1:56 pm

    Cake was delicious! I think I would skip the frosting next time.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/23 at 7:19 pm

      Hi Karen, so glad you liked it!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

chocolate chip cookies

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

Download Now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2023 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled