This spiced banana almond cake is the ultimate cozy bake. Packed with warming spices, ripe bananas, and a double hit of almond (flour and toasted pieces!), this cake delivers big on both flavor and texture. Plus, it’s finished with a silky vanilla glaze that makes each slice simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a weekend brunch, this cake is bound to be a hit.
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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Banana Almond Cake
This cake is everything you want in a comforting homemade dessert: moist, lightly spiced, and full of wholesome banana flavor. The almond flour adds a lovely nutty richness, while the chopped toasted almonds (optional but highly recommended) give it just the right crunch.
🌟 The scent? Think cinnamon rolls meet banana bread.
🌟 The texture? Soft and moist, with a slight chew from the almond flour.
🌟 The flavor? Sweet, warmly spiced, and a little nutty magic in every bite.
It’s perfect for fall, but honestly, I’d happily devour a slice any time of year.
What You’ll Need:
- Bananas – Overripe is best for extra sweetness.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add that cozy warmth.
- Almond flour – Keeps it moist and adds a nutty depth.
- Brown sugar + maple syrup – A dream duo for rich sweetness.
- Glaze – Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for that shiny sweet finish.
Ingredients Spiced Banana Almond Cake Recipe
For the cake:
- 180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 100g (1 cup) almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 200g)
- 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
- 60ml (¼ cup) maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 60g (½ cup) chopped toasted almonds
For the glaze:
- 120g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round or square cake pan
- Wire rack for cooling
- Small bowl for mixing glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Mash bananas: In another bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Add nuts (optional): Fold in chopped toasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips for Perfecting the Spiced Banana Almond Cake Recipe
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour—this keeps the cake light.
- Want more glaze? Double the recipe and go wild.
- For a fall twist, add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
What to Serve With It
Pair it with:
- A hot chai latte or spiced tea
- Fresh berries for a touch of tartness
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 5–6 days; bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
General Information About Spiced Banana Almond Cake
This cake is naturally dairy-free (use almond milk in the glaze), and easy to make gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. It’s a wonderful option for casual gatherings, bake sales, or weekday indulgences.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Can I skip the glaze?
Totally! It’s delicious on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey works great, just keep in mind it adds a slightly different flavor.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
You can, but the texture may be denser. Stick with oil for a lighter crumb.
Conclusion
This spiced banana almond cake is a comforting, flavorful bake that’s as easy as it is impressive. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet slice with tea, it’s bound to earn rave reviews. I’d love to see your creations—tag @poulefrecipe on Pinterest and show me your version!
Looking for more cozy bakes? Try these from Poulef.com:
Print
Spiced Banana Almond Cake with Glaze
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and warmly spiced banana almond cake is topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, perfect for cozy afternoons or brunch.
Ingredients
180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
100g (1 cup) almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 200g)
100g (½ cup) brown sugar
60ml (¼ cup) maple syrup or honey
2 large eggs
120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 60g (½ cup) chopped toasted almonds
For the glaze:
120g (1 cup) powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
-
In a bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
-
In another bowl, mash bananas and mix in brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in almonds if using.
-
Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool before glazing.
-
For glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. Substitute almond milk for dairy-free. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
