Name: Salted Caramel Banana Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Gluten-free flour blend; Ripe bananas; Cream cheese; Butter; Brown sugar; Eggs; Vanilla extract; Baking powder; Salt; Cream cheese; Powdered sugar; Vanilla extract; Heavy cream; Caramel sauce; Fresh banana slices

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly marries the homey richness of bananas with irresistible waves of buttery, salty-sweet caramel, this Salted Caramel Banana Cake is about to become your new obsession. With a tender gluten-free crumb, plush layers swaddled in tangy cream cheese frosting, and a dramatic caramel drizzle that’s the stuff of bakery showcases, each bite delivers nostalgia and luxury in equal measure. This showstopper is easier than it looks, and whether you’re making it for birthdays, brunches, or just because, it’s bound to win you adoring fans.

Salted Caramel Banana Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things both simple and truly decadent, the right ingredients make all the difference in Salted Caramel Banana Cake. Each one brings its own magic to the table, building irresistible flavor, perfect crumb, and eye-catching appeal. Here’s the inside scoop on what you’ll need and why.

Gluten-free flour blend: Provides structure and softness without any gluten, so everyone can enjoy a slice.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better for extra sweetness and that deep, unmistakable banana flavor.
Cream cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the frosting—balance for all that caramel richness.
Butter: Fat equals flavor! It helps the cake stay moist and gives the frosting its silky shine.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to both the cake and the base of that dreamy frosting.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and creating a light, fluffy crumb.
Vanilla extract: Brings a layer of warmth, tying all these bold flavors together.
Baking powder: Leavens the cake, ensuring each layer rises into a pillowy cloud.
Salt: Rounds out the flavors and, when paired with caramel, makes the topping completely addictive.
Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness to the frosting and can thin it to that perfect spreading consistency.
Caramel sauce: The star drizzle! Choose a salted version (store-bought or homemade) for that finishing flourish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Banana Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start your Salted Caramel Banana Cake adventure by creaming the room-temp butter with brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this step sets the stage for a light, moist crumb. Add the eggs one at a time to ensure even blending, then fold in the vanilla extract and those gloriously sweet, mashed bananas. The aroma alone at this stage is enough to make you swoon!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly—this helps guarantee even lift throughout the cake. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, making sure not to overmix; just stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. Minimal stirring equals maximum fluffiness.

Step 3: Bake Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between your prepared 9-inch round cake pans. Smooth those tops (an offset spatula helps here), then slide them onto the center oven rack. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean with just a crumb or two attached. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in their pans before flipping them onto wire racks—this prevents any sticking or crumbling.

Step 4: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese until irresistibly smooth and a little airy, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. If the frosting feels too rich to spread, trickle in heavy cream by the spoonful until you hit that pillowy, spoonable texture. The result is a tangy-sweet cloud that pairs perfectly with banana and caramel.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Gently place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and lavish it with half the cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top, then finish with the remaining frosting. Now for the dramatic part: let the salted caramel sauce tumble over the top and down the sides in messy, decadent rivulets. For a pretty (and tasty) finale, place a few fresh banana slices on top just before serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Banana Cake

Garnishes

Finish your Salted Caramel Banana Cake with a scatter of banana slices—wait until just before serving so they stay fresh and glossy. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a handful of toasted chopped pecans adds textural flair and brings out the contrast of sweet and salty.

Side Dishes

Serve each generous piece alongside a steaming mug of coffee or rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort pairing. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your cake truly takes this dessert to celebration mode.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy twist, try layering sliced bananas and a swirl of caramel between the cake layers before frosting. Mini Salted Caramel Banana Cake cupcakes are crowd-pleasers too—simply bake the batter in muffin tins and top each with a drizzle of caramel and a banana coin. Or go for a rustic naked-cake look by leaving the sides partially unfrosted and letting the caramel drip fetchingly down the layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Salted Caramel Banana Cake tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The cream cheese frosting stays lush, and the banana flavor just gets more pronounced! Bring slices to room temp for best texture before serving.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual cake slices securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and moisture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge—or sneak a slice and microwave for a few seconds for a speedy treat.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this cake, a brief zap in the microwave softens it perfectly (about 10-15 seconds per slice). Just remember to remove any fresh garnish and keep an eye on the caramel so it doesn’t run off!

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern for you or your guests, substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The recipe works beautifully either way, ensuring a light and tender Salted Caramel Banana Cake.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If you need ripe bananas in a hurry, pop unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black all over. Let them cool, and they’ll be perfectly mashable and sweet for your Salted Caramel Banana Cake!

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Definitely—Salted Caramel Banana Cake tastes even better after a day in the fridge. You can bake the layers and store them (unfrosted and well wrapped) up to two days ahead. Frost and drizzle with caramel just before serving for best flavor and texture.

Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

Store-bought, high-quality salted caramel sauce is perfectly fine and saves time. But if you love making things from scratch, homemade caramel is always a welcome upgrade—just make sure it’s cooled before drizzling over your cake.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

If you’d prefer a different frosting, use mascarpone for an equally rich but slightly milder flavor, or opt for a simple buttercream if you’d rather skip the tangy notes. Either way, your Salted Caramel Banana Cake will be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of bananas, cream cheese, and salted caramel—especially when they come together in such a stunning cake. Don’t hesitate to give this Salted Caramel Banana Cake a try; it’s warm, nostalgic, and impressively easy, whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself. Go ahead and gather your ingredients—the first bite will make you wonder why you ever waited!

Salted Caramel Banana Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 2-layer cake
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet caramel, fresh bananas, and creamy frosting with this delectable Salted Caramel Banana Cake recipe. Perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Prepare Cake Batter – Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Cream butter and brown sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
Mix Dry Ingredients – Combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold into wet mixture.
Bake Cake Layers – Divide batter, bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting – Beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
Assemble and Decorate – Layer cakes with frosting, drizzle caramel sauce, and garnish with banana slices.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American