Gluten Free Banana Cake

Hey there, lovely bakers! Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm banana cake wafting through your kitchen? It’s one of those scents that immediately feels like a hug. If you’ve ever found yourself with a bunch of spotty bananas and a craving for something sweet and satisfying, you are in the right place. This isn’t just any banana cake—this is the ultimate, no-fuss, gluten free banana cake that will have everyone begging for the recipe. It’s incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and so easy to whip up for a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering. Let’s turn those overripe bananas into something magical.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Banana Cake

Honestly, what’s not to love? This cake ticks every single box.

• Insanely Easy: No fancy techniques or equipment needed. It’s a simple mix-and-bake situation.
• Perfectly Moist: Say goodbye to dry, crumbly gluten-free baked goods. This cake is deliciously tender.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.
• Pantry Staples: You probably have most of these ingredients in your cupboard right now!

Gather Your Ingredients

Print

• 3 large overripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter!)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (I love Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)

Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake? Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Let’s do this!

1. Mash those bananas! In a large bowl, peel and mash your bananas with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. A few little lumps are totally fine—they add character!
2. Combine the wet ingredients. To the bananas, add the eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until you no longer see any dry flour. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Fold in the goodies. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in.
5. Bake! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool. This is the hardest part! Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.

My Go-To Baking Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe! Here’s what I use:

• An 8×8 inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• A trusty whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

That’s it! For more baking essentials, check out my list of must-have kitchen tools for bakers.

Tips, Tricks, and Happy Accidents

I’ve made this cake more times than I can count, and here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

• Banana Bonus: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can ripen them quickly in the oven.
• Flour Power: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. For best results, use a quality 1:1 blend that includes xanthan gum. This acts as a binder, replacing the gluten.
• Mix Gently: Overmixing gluten-free batter can sometimes lead to a gummy texture. Fold just until everything is combined.
• Make it Dairy-Free: It already is if you use coconut oil! It’s naturally a fantastic dairy-free dessert.

The Best Ways to Serve This Cake

This cake is delicious all on its own, but a little somethin’-somethin’ on top never hurts.

• Classic: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is elegant and sweet.
• Decadent: Slather a warm slice with a generous layer of creamy peanut butter or cinnamon honey butter.
• For a Crowd: Top it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice.
• With Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for the best start to your day.

A Quick Peek at the Nutrition

Approximate values per serving (1/12th of the cake): Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g

Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

I hope this gluten free banana cake becomes a new staple in your home. It’s the kind of recipe that proves eating gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out on flavor or texture. It’s all about simple, good food that makes you feel good. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on social or leave a comment over on the blog. Happy baking!

Your Gluten Free Banana Cake Questions, Answered

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for muffins. Just divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for a quick treat later!

Can I use a different type of oil?

Of course! Melted butter, avocado oil, or even a light olive oil would work well in place of the coconut oil.

My cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?

If the top is getting dark but the center isn’t cooked through, simply lay a loose piece of aluminum foil over the top of the pan for the remainder of the baking time. This will shield it from direct heat.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

A fork or a potato masher works perfectly. For a super smooth batter, you can even give them a quick pulse in a food processor or stand mixer.

If You Loved This, You’ve Got to Try These…

On a baking spree? Here are a few more of my favorite gluten-free treats that are just as easy and delicious:

• The Chewiest Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
• One-Bowl Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
• Healthy Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins