Vegan Banana Cake


This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue to produce content like this. Thank you for your support!

(Gluten-Free) – Moist, Sweet, and Totally Irresistible!

If you’re craving a cake that’s naturally sweet, rich with banana flavor, and topped with creamy goodness — this vegan banana cake is your new go-to dessert. And the best part? It’s completely gluten-free and made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just using up ripe bananas, this cake delivers moist, satisfying bites every single time.


🍰 Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • Super moist thanks to ripe bananas and coconut milk
  • Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
  • Topped with homemade vegan vanilla frosting
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free — no compromise on flavor
  • Perfect for brunch, birthdays, or guilt-free dessert moments

🍌 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dates

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegan butter (room temperature)
  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tbsp non-dairy milk (e.g., almond or oat milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the vegan butter with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing between each addition.
  3. Add the non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until light and creamy.
  4. Chill for 10–15 minutes before frosting the cooled cake.

🍽 Instructions for the Cake

  1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine & Fold: Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
  5. Bake: Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
  6. Decorate: Spread your homemade vegan vanilla frosting over the cake. Top with fresh banana slices, walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

🌿 Tips & Variations

  • No nuts? Leave out walnuts or sub with sunflower seeds.
  • Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of rum extract.
  • Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.