Moist Strawberry Banana Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free) Recipe

If you have a soft spot for fruity, tender cakes, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Moist Strawberry Banana Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free) Recipe. It’s a sensational dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries with a luscious, tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting on top. Every bite offers a perfect balance of moistness and flavor, all while being gluten-free, which means everyone can enjoy it without worry. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake is a true winner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but essential to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a meaningful role, from moistening the batter to enhancing the fruity brightness and ensuring the gluten-free factor shines through.

• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries + 1 tbsp gluten free flour: Coating the strawberries prevents them from sinking and ensures even bursts of berry flavor throughout.
• 2 large ripe bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and incredible moisture to keep the cake tender.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the fruit.
• 1 egg: Provides structure and binds all ingredients together beautifully.
• 1/3 cup avocado oil or neutral flavored oil: Offers rich moisture and a light, fluffy crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the natural flavors of the cake.
• 1 1/4 cup gluten free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum: Ensures the perfect cake texture while keeping it gluten-free.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light as air.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and enriches overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries: Ground for the frosting to intensify that vibrant strawberry taste.
• 1/2 cup cream cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy frosting base.
• 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting delicately, allowing the strawberry flavor to shine.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Banana Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Strawberries

Start by tossing your chopped fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of gluten-free flour. This simple trick helps keep the berries suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom during baking, which means you get gorgeous bursts of strawberry flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Blend the Bananas

Peel two large ripe bananas and blend them until smooth. Bananas not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the moist, tender crumb that makes this cake special.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the blended bananas, add the sugar, egg, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Blend just until combined, ensuring everything is well incorporated but the mixture stays light.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This dry mix forms the foundation that reacts perfectly with the wet ingredients to give your cake a wonderful rise and texture.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want for a moist cake. Fold in those coated chopped strawberries gently to distribute them evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on.

Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor. In a bowl, mix the powdered strawberries with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to blend everything until the frosting is silky smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Smooth the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful gluten-free treats you’ve ever had.

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Banana Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and texture, add fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. A few mint leaves can also add a refreshing contrast against the rich frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake as mini squares on a dessert platter for a party or cut into layers to create a layered cake with extra frosting between. You can also turn it into cupcakes by adjusting the baking time slightly—perfect for individual servings with all the charm of the original.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting contains cream cheese, so keeping it chilled maintains freshness and prevents spoilage for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, remove the frosting first and heat the cake portion in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Add the frosting back on after warming for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended to maintain the best texture and flavor in the cake. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid, then proceed with the flour coating step to prevent sogginess.

Is there a way to make this cake vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives for the frosting, and swap regular sugar if necessary with a vegan-certified brand. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Why do I need to coat the strawberries in flour?

This step prevents the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the batter as it bakes, ensuring they stay nice and evenly distributed throughout the cake.

What type of gluten-free flour is best?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum works best here to give the cake structure and prevent it from crumbling.

Can I make the frosting without freeze-dried strawberries?

The freeze-dried strawberries add an intense natural strawberry flavor and beautiful color. If unavailable, you can use a small amount of fresh strawberry puree, but the consistency of the frosting might be less thick.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Moist Strawberry Banana Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free) Recipe enough if you want to impress with a dessert that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious. It’s a recipe I return to whenever I crave something sweet, fruity, and comforting. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite cake to bake and share with friends and family!

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