Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Quick Answer
This Flourless Banana Cake is a simple, moist dessert made with ripe bananas and almond butter that is perfect for holiday gatherings.
As the vibrant autumn leaves start to carpet the sidewalks of New York City, I can’t help but anticipate the holiday gatherings with family and friends. This time of year is all about comfort and warmth, and nothing captures that sentiment better than a slice of Flourless Banana Cake. It’s moist, naturally sweet from ripe bananas, and perfectly spiced for the season. Plus, it’s a wonderful treat to bring to Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations—one that even gluten-free guests will love!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and naturally sweet from ripe bananas, perfect for any occasion.
- Gluten-free, making it a delightful treat for all your guests.
- Easy to make with straightforward ingredients you likely have at home.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, adding warmth to your holiday gatherings.
- Versatile—can be enjoyed warm, cold, or even topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Flourless Banana Cake:
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Flourless Banana Cake (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to whip up your Flourless Banana Cake!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, I line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with a touch of coconut oil.
Step 2: Combine Banana and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, I gently mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Using bananas that are generously speckled with brown spots yields the best flavor. Next, I add the three large eggs and whisk until the mixture is silky and homogenous.
Step 3: Mix in the Nut Butter and Sweetener
I stir in the creamy almond butter and the honey. The nutty aroma begins to fill my kitchen, enticing anyone nearby.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, I sprinkle in the baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. I fold it all together with a spatula until just combined—being careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
I pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and gently shake it to settle the batter evenly. Then, I bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, I allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s best served warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe bananas: Ripe bananas not only enhance sweetness but also provide moisture.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir until just combined to ensure a tender crumb; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Not greasing the pan properly: Make sure to grease the pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a different twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter before baking.
- This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
- Be mindful of the ripeness of your bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Use a kitchen scale to ensure accurate measurements for consistent results.
Variations
- Substitute almond butter with peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate banana cake.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Top with chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The cake can be baked a day in advance.
- Storage: Store any leftover Flourless Banana Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Enjoy it cold or microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe multiple times, I realized just how forgiving it is—if you’re short on almond butter, peanut butter is a fantastic substitute. Also, it’s a joy to see all ages enjoy this simple and wholesome cake during our holiday gatherings. Its aroma and flavor truly bring a festive spirit to any table!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~200 calories · 4g protein · 24g carbs · 10g fat
Delicious Flourless Banana Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with a touch of coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the creamy almond butter and honey until fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle in baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Fold everything gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and gently shake to settle it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or chopped walnuts.
Notes
FAQs
Can I substitute almond butter with another nut butter?
Yes, peanut butter is a fantastic substitute for almond butter in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s creamy and doesn’t contain added sugars for the best results.
How do I know when the Flourless Banana Cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when the center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes.
Can I add other ingredients to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped walnuts can give the cake an extra flavor twist. Just fold them in gently before baking.
