Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that checks all the boxes—moist, flavorful, and totally irresistible—look no further than this Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a true celebration of bananas, and with the added richness of a creamy cashew frosting, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Grain-Free Banana Cake is not just another cake; it’s a wholesome indulgence that brings together simple, nutritious ingredients to create a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert. The use of ripe bananas provides natural sweetness and moisture, while the combination of almond and tapioca flours gives it a unique texture that is both tender and satisfying. Topped with a luscious cashew cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for those looking to indulge without the grains. It’s a treat that feels decadent but is made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

The Essentials

To create this scrumptious Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 large ripe bananas, mashed – the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• 4 eggs, large – for structure and richness.
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, optional – for additional sweetness and flavor.
• 1 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract, for that warm, inviting aroma.
• 4 cups super fine almond flour, the base of our grain-free cake.
• 2/3 cup tapioca flour, for lightness and a chewy texture.
• 1 tbsp baking powder, to help the cake rise.
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon, for a touch of spice.
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, optional – for additional depth of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, to enhance all the flavors.
• A batch of vegan cream cheese frosting, to top it all off.

Must-Have Equipment

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Mixing bowls, for combining your ingredients.
• Whisk, for mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula, for folding in the dry ingredients.
• 9×13 inch baking pan, for baking your cake evenly.
• Food processor or high-speed blender, for making the cashew cream cheese frosting smooth and creamy.
• Cooling rack, to let your cake cool properly.

Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting: From Prep to Plate

Ready to create your Grain-Free Banana Cake? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the super fine almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and sea salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold them together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Pour Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours, then drain and rinse. Blend the soaked cashews with 1/4 cup of plant-based milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cashew cream cheese frosting evenly on top.

Step 12: Serve

Slice and serve your Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

This cake is versatile and can be dressed up for various holidays and seasons:

• Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a festive touch.
• Incorporate seasonal spices like ginger or cloves during the fall months for a warm flavor profile.
• Top with fresh berries in the summer for a refreshing contrast.
• Drizzle a bit of dark chocolate over the frosting for an extra indulgent layer.

Slip-Ups to Skip

When making your Grain-Free Banana Cake, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Using under-ripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are fully ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Not cooling the cake completely before frosting: This will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure a beautiful finish.

Save It for Later

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here are some tips to store your cake:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake or slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw in the fridge before serving again.

Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting Q&A

Can I use another type of flour?

For this recipe, super fine almond flour and tapioca flour are ideal for the best texture. However, you could experiment with other grain-free flours, but be aware that the results may vary.

How can I make this cake sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a little bit of coconut sugar to the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.

What can I use as a substitute for cashew cream cheese frosting?

If cashews are not your thing, you can try a coconut cream frosting or a vegan buttercream made with plant-based butter and powdered sugar.

What to Make After This

Once you’ve enjoyed your Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting, consider trying these delicious recipes:

• Vegan Chocolate Cake – For chocolate lovers!
• Almond Flour Pancakes – A perfect breakfast treat.
• Coconut Chocolate Energy Balls – A quick and healthy snack.
• Vegan Carrot Cake – A classic with a twist.

Next Steps

Now that you have the complete guide to making a delicious Grain-Free Banana Cake with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start baking! Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with friends and family, and savor every bite of this wholesome dessert. Happy baking!