Welcome to a delightful journey of baking with wholesome ingredients! Today, we’re diving into an Almond Meal Banana Cake recipe that’s not only incredibly tasty but also packed with nutrition.
This cake is a perfect way to enjoy ripe bananas with the rich, nutty flavor of almond meal, lending a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert, a guilt-free snack, or a unique breakfast treat, this cake ticks all the boxes.
Using almond meal instead of traditional flour makes this cake gluten-free and adds a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of bananas. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup, making it a healthier option for your family.
So grab your mixing bowl and get ready for a baking experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Almond Meal Banana Cake is a standout for several reasons. First, it’s gluten-free due to the almond meal, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means you can reduce added sugars without sacrificing flavor.
Moreover, the cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the healthy fats in almonds and the moisture from bananas. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or as a breakfast companion with your morning coffee or tea.
Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to make it your own.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits into clean eating, paleo, and keto-friendly diets with minor tweaks.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 2 cups almond meal (finely ground almonds)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or any mild-flavored oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth and spice)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick baking spray
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf or cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Add the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond meal, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture using a spatula. Stir gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in the chopped nuts if using, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for decoration.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Sprinkle the reserved nuts evenly over the surface for a beautiful finish.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
For an extra moist cake, try adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to the batter.
Switch up the nuts by using almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a different flavor and crunch.
For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the batter before baking.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Make it spicier by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g (natural sugars from bananas and honey) |
Serving Suggestions
This almond meal banana cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with some simple accompaniments:
- Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Top slices with fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a fruity freshness.
- Spread a thin layer of almond butter or nutella for extra indulgence.
- Use it as a base for a healthy dessert by layering with fresh fruit and whipped coconut cream.
Conclusion
Incorporating almond meal and ripe bananas, this cake offers a nourishing and delicious alternative to traditional banana bread. Its naturally gluten-free and nutrient-packed profile makes it a smart choice for health-conscious bakers who don’t want to compromise on flavor or texture.
Whether you’re serving it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this almond meal banana cake is sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen.
Experiment with the variations to keep it fresh and exciting, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll be asking for seconds! For more inspiring recipes, check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Almond Meal Banana Cake
Description: A moist and flavorful banana cake made with almond meal for a gluten-free twist. Perfect as a healthy dessert or snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond meal
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add eggs, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond meal, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 15 g
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