This gluten free dairy free banana cake recipe is so moist and tender, with a big kick of banana flavor. It's perfect on its own, but we made it even better with a rich, creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting to gild the lily. AND the entire thing is completely free of gluten and dairy.
When it comes to delicious dessert recipes and sweet snacks, there's nothing quite as satisfying as banana cake or bread. That classic banana flavor combined with a moist, tender texture always seems to make everyone happy.
My mom made banana bread and cake all the time when I was growing up. Dad had a banana almost every day, and she always bought a few extra to make a sweet treat for the family.
Now, I love making banana cake as part of my gluten free dessert rotation. Because Adam is kosher, I've also begun making dairy-free baked goods, as well. Since certain things can't be combined with dairy, I find it easier to simply eliminate it, and there is zero flavor difference in my opinion.
Like our banana dairy free muffins, this dairy free gluten free banana cake is so moist and tender, with a wonderful crumb and a big blast of banana flavor. And, like our gluten free pumpkin cake, it's completely free of dairy and gluten.
We also added a delicious banana buttercream frosting on top because who doesn't love banana and peanut butter?
We love serving this rich, sweet dessert after a meal full of bold flavors like this ground chicken and sweet potato recipe for a meal that hits all the taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: The great thing about gluten and dairy free recipes being so popular these days is that every ingredient you need for this recipe is either in your kitchen or readily available at almost any grocery store.
- So Easy: Both the cake and frosting are basic recipes that even beginners can easily make.
- The Perfect Texture: Like traditional banana cake, this version is moist and tender with the perfect crumb.
- Classic Flavor: Although the cake is both gluten free and dairy free, no one can tell. It has the same flavor and texture as the classic.
- Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to add different flavors to suit your taste.
- Versatile: This is a great cake for a weeknight dessert or a sweet addition to any gathering.
Jump to:
Ingredients
We prefer Costabile olive oil for its quality, purity, and flavor. Use Code: 15GOLDENGK for 15% off at Amazon.
You'll find a complete list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Variations
- Traditional: If you don't have dietary restrictions, feel free to use traditional ingredients like wheat flour, along with milk based butter and cream cheese.
- Add Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans adds even more flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are a classic pairing with banana baked goods, so feel free to mix some in for a tasty chocolate chip banana cake.
- Nut Butter Frosting: Use your favorite nut butter or even Nutella for different frosting flavors.
- Regular Cream Cheese Frosting: For a traditional flavor, use this dairy-free cream cheese frosting recipe.
- Cupcakes: Use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to make delicious banana cupcakes.
How to Make Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Cake
Step 1: Whisk the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, beat the wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the bananas and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Mix ⅓ of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition until the batter ingredients are just combined.
Step 3: Pour the batter into a 9x13 pan brushed with coconut oil and bake at 300°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool the cake for 45 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Then, scrape the sides of the bowl and beat in the peanut butter. Finally, scrape the bowl again and beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the frosting is rich and creamy.
Step 6: When the cake has fully cooled, frost it with the peanut butter cream cheese frosting, slice, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- If you're using a dark pan, reduce the heat by 10°F and start checking your cake for doneness about 5 minutes earlier.
- Bring your cold ingredients to room temperature for easier mixing, emulsification, and the best texture.
- Mix your cake batter until the ingredients are just combined, meaning the dry ingredients are just moistened. Overmixing leads to a tough, dense cake.
- We find it best to mix the dry ingredients into the wet by thirds. This limits the amount of mixing necessary and helps promote a tender cake.
- Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl while mixing the frosting to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined.
- For the creamiest frosting, sift your powdered sugar before adding it.
- Your cake must be completely cooled before frosting it. Otherwise, the warmth from the cake will cause the frosting to thin and slide off the cake.
Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Cake FAQ
Yes, it is. In fact, it's an easy swap. A 1:1 gluten free flour can be used in the same quantities as regular flour without the need to add additional binders and in most cases, it won't change the flavor of the final product.
Much like a traditional cake, the most common reason a gluten free cake comes out tough is overmixing. Although there is no gluten in a cake like this, overmixing will still create a tough, dense cake.
There was a time with gluten free baking involved adding several additional ingredients to the flour to make it work like traditional flour. It was a tricky proposition, and even slighlty inaccurate measurements could ruin the cake. Today, 1:1 gluten free baking flour brands make it incredibly easy to make gluten free cakes that have the same flavor and texture as traditional cakes.
One of the primary ingredients in gluten free flour is xanthan gum, which acts as a replacement for gluten. Just like gluten, when xanthan gum is overworked, it contracts too much during the baking process, creating a tough, rubbery final product.
More Delicious Gluten Free Desserts
If you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment and let us know. We always love hearing from our readers!
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Cake
Ingredients
Banana Cake
- 3 ½ cups 1:1 gluten free baking flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¾ cup dairy free sour cream
- 3 eggs large; room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups bananas mashed
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup salted dairy free butter
- 8 oz dairy free cream cheese
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Banana Cake
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and lightly coat a 9x13 pan with coconut oil. Then, add parchment paper to the bottom of the pan for easy removal.
- Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, olive oil, sour cream, and sugar with the whisk attachment for 30 seconds on medium speed.
- Add the mashed bananas and vanilla and beat for another minute.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients ⅓ at a time until the batter is just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 42 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for 30 to 45 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
- Scrape down the bowl. Then, add the peanut butter and vanilla and mix again on medium-low for 90 seconds.
- Scrape down the bowl again. Then, mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting is rich and creamy.
- Frost your fully cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store at room temperature in a cool spot for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.
- If you're using a dark pan, reduce the heat by 10°F and start checking your cake for doneness about 5 minutes earlier.
- Bring your cold ingredients to room temperature for easier mixing, emulsification, and the best texture.
- Mix your cake batter until the ingredients are just combined, meaning the dry ingredients are just moistened. Overmixing leads to a tough, dense cake.
- We find it best to mix the dry ingredients into the wet by thirds. This limits the amount of mixing necessary and helps promote a tender cake.
- Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl while mixing the frosting to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined.
- For the creamiest frosting, sift your powdered sugar before adding it.
- Your cake must be completely cooled before frosting it. Otherwise, the warmth from the cake will cause the frosting to thin and slide off the cake.
Jacqueline. says
This is the perfect gluten free treat! I made it for my sister who has a gluten intolerence but we all enjoyed it. Will make again.
Leslie says
I love this recipe so much. The banana cake with the cream cheese peanut butter frosting is a match made in heaven! So incredibly delicious!
Ashley says
Such a delicious cake! The frosting was delicious, but the cake was so moist you honestly didn't need it!
Elizabeth says
I was needing a gluten free treat to take to a friend's brunch and this was perfect! Tasted amazing and everyone loved it!
Jean says
This cake was so moist and delicious. But the frosting, that took the cake no pun intended.
Krystle says
I can't decide if I like the cake or frosting more. My hubby doesn't even like bananas and he ate 2 slices!
Liz says
This banana cake was DELICIOUS!! So moist and tender, plus the peanut butter frosting was an outstanding finishing touch.
Lily says
This gluten free dairy free banana cake is incredible! You can’t even tell it’s missing the dairy or gluten.
Swathi says
Gluten-free free dairy-free banana cake is delicious. I have made it, and my family loved it.
Krystle Smith says
This cake is super moist and bursting with banana flavor, and that peanut butter cream cheese frosting? Totally heavenly! I love that it's both tasty and works for various dietary needs.
Jet says
We have an abundance of bananas lately and this is the perfect recipe for it! Love that it's not only gluten-free but also dairy-free!
Claudia says
I tried this gluten free dairy free banana cake and it came out soft, moist, and full of banana goodness—hard to believe it’s allergen-friendly!
Claudia says
I made this gluten free dairy free banana cake and it turned out super moist and soft—the banana taste really shines through without any dairy!
Nicole says
This banana cake is amazing! You can’t even tell it’s gluten or dairy.
Rose says
This cake is a total win for anyone with dietary restrictions—so moist and flavorful, you’d never guess it’s gluten and dairy free!
Elizabeth says
SO yummy! The pb frosting was a fabulous pairing with the banana cake.
Swathi says
Gluten free banana cake is so good, my kids loved it, I am going to make it again.
Lora says
Love how this banana cake is moist, flavorful, and totally gluten- and dairy-free. That peanut butter cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level!
Elizabeth says
This banana cake was delicious! I appreciate that it was gluten and dairy free. Added to my favorites. 🙂
Mae says
Absolutely delicious, and so great for a crowd of people with various intolerances and allergies. The slightly salty peanut butter frosting was my favourite!
Nicole Kendrick says
How could you not love a peanut butter frosting! I always make a bit extra incase I want some on the side!
Krystle says
The peanut butter cream cheese frosting is to die for! My new favorite cake!
Nicole Kendrick says
This is always a crowd favorite! Have a great day, Krystle!
Mindy says
I tried this gluten-free, dairy-free banana cake, and it was so moist and full of banana flavor! The peanut butter cream cheese frosting made it extra delicious.
Nicole Kendrick says
Banana cake is always the talk of the party! Have a great day, Mindy!
Swaiyer says
Gluten-free banana cake is so good. My friend has gluten allergy, asked me to bake a banana bread, I used your recipe, she loved it.
Nicole Kendrick says
So thoughtful of you to help your friend and keep her allergies in mind. Glad we could help!
Rosie says
This gluten-free dairy-free banana cake is seriously a winner! It was so moist. Did you find it tasted best served warm or completely cooled?
Nicole Kendrick says
It just depends on your preferences! I personally love a slice of cold cake! BUTTTT, I know many who would tell you to serve it hot instead!
Jenna says
This gluten free banana cake is soft, flavorful, and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. You’d never guess it’s dairy free too.
Nicole Kendrick says
So soft and so much flavor! I am glad to hear you are eating good this week!
fran says
this cake is amazing! you can't even tell it is gluten or dairy free. my family couldn't believe it.
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you so much, Fran! I am glad your family loved this one!
Bianca says
We really enjoyed this bread. The frosting is phenomenal!
Nicole Kendrick says
How could you not love that amazing frosting! Glad you enjoyed!
Swathiiyer says
Gluten free banana cake is so delicious perfect texture and taste, my family asked to make it again.
Nicole Kendrick says
If you make it, they will come! So glad to hear it was a hit!
Iulia says
I made this and it came out so soft and light. Super simple and great for anyone who needs a gf df treat!
Nicole Kendrick says
So simple and no one would ever know it was dairy-free and gluten-free!!
DJ says
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
Nicole Kendrick says
Substitute one egg with cup mashed banana, applesauce, yogurt, or pumpkin puree for moisture. Use 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg) for binding.
Liz says
SO yummy! We loved the frosting, too!
Nicole Kendrick says
I am obsessed with the frosting! Thanks for sharing!
June says
I made this gluten-free, dairy-free banana cake and it turned out super soft! The peanut butter cream cheese frosting makes it even better.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love the frosting so dang much!!
Lyla says
My brother and his wife can't eat dairy, so I decided to make this banana bread. Now I'm making it for us too! I mean, it's so good that you don't even notice that's dairy-free or gluten-free. Amazing!
Nicole Kendrick says
I love to hear that they were able to enjoy this option. Nothing better than family time and good food!
Swathi says
Gluten free banana cake is so delicious, goes well with cup of coffee, excellent snack or breakfast so good.
Nicole Kendrick says
Mhmmm a cup of coffee and this banana cake is simple perfection!
Anna says
The perfect way to use up those over-ripe bananas sitting on the counter. Loved the frosting too!
Nicole Kendrick says
The frosting is definitely my favorite part! Thanks for the kind words!
katy says
this banana cake is super moist and delicious. My grandkids devoured it. Thanks for the recipe!
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so happy to hear they are enjoying cake with Grandma!
Chloe says
I love this cake so much! So rich and flavorful!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you so much!!
Max says
This banana cake was a huge hit! There was no telling it was gluten free either.
Nicole Kendrick says
So many people are shocked when I tell them it is gluten-free! Thanks for the 5 stars!
Nora says
This looks so good! Super moist banana cake and peanut butter frosting is always a win. Can’t believe it’s gluten and dairy free!
Nicole Kendrick says
It is a shock to everyone! Glad to hear you enjoyed one of my favorite recipes!
Pat says
I made this gluten-free, dairy-free banana cake, and it turned out moist, naturally sweet, and perfect for a healthy treat or snack! 🍌🍰
Nicole Kendrick says
I love this dairy-free option! Tastes just like the real thing!
Sandra says
I would never know this was anything other than a traditional cake. Very good!
Nicole Kendrick says
I love that this is cake and can be healthy too! Thanks for the review!
Leela says
This gluten-free banana cake is so good, excellent to use up all my bananas. Thanks for sharing with me.
Nicole Kendrick says
Nothing beats a slice of banana cake! Enjoy!