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Gluten Free Banana Cake

This easy recipe for gluten free banana cake is super moist! I like this cake best with homemade gluten free chocolate frosting. This cake is simple to make from scratch and includes sour cream to keep it fluffy.

a gluten free banana cake with chocolate buttercream frosting on a piece of white parchment paper next to two white plates.

This Gluten Free Banana Cake is the perfect way to use up ripe or overripe bananas, transforming them into a delicious, moist dessert. With a light, fluffy texture, this gluten-free banana cake recipe is ideal for those looking for a sweet treat that's both easy to make and full of flavor.

Using real bananas gives the cake a natural sweetness, and the recipe is designed to be simple, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Topped with a creamy homemade chocolate buttercream frosting, it's a perfect gluten-free dessert that's sure to please everyone.

If you are looking for more banana recipes try my Gluten Free Banana Oat Muffins, my Gluten Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins, my Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins or my Homemade Strawberry Banana Popsicles.

You can find all of my gluten free cake recipes here: Gluten Free Cake Recipes

a gluten free banana cake with chocolate buttercream frosting cut into squares on white parchment paper.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9x13 baking pan with coconut oil or butter. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat the granulated sugar and room temperature butter until creamed together. This will take 3-4 minutes. 

Add the mashed bananas, coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and sour cream to this mixture. Mix until blended together.

Add the flour, xanthum gum, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Blend the batter just until the dry ingredients are mixed with the wet ingredients. Don't over blend! 

Pour the cake batter into the greased 9x13 baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. The cake will be browned and firm, but slightly spongy to the touch.

Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes. Then place parchment paper on top of a baking sheet and invert the cake onto this. Skip this step if you want to frost the cake as is in the pan. 

Let the cake cool completely before frosting. I used my Gluten Free Chocolate Buttercream Frosting recipe.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between banana bread and banana cake?

The texture and sweetness are the two biggest differences between banana bread and banana cake. Banana cake has a fluffier texture while banana bread is denser.

Banana cake has more sugar in it and has a sweeter taste than banana bread. If you want a similar flavor to this cake using banana bread I would suggest spreading your banana bread with Nutella. It's delicious!

What do you put on a gluten free banana cake?

I used my recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. You could also use this recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting. Either way the cake is going to be fluffy and delicious.

I also like a little crunch so I add chopped walnuts to the top of the cake. If you can't have nuts you can skip this step, but I really like how it adds to the flavor of the cake.

What makes a cake light and fluffy?

The first thing you need to do is whip together your room temperature butter and sugars until they are light and fluffy. This will take 3-4 minutes. This step is key!

I've also added sour cream to this recipe which I think really helps a cake to be light and fluffy. You could also use plain greek yogurt if you don't have sour cream.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Gluten Free Banana Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for gluten free banana cake is super moist! I like this cake best with homemade chocolate frosting. This cake is simple to make from scratch and includes sour cream to keep it fluffy.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9x13 baking pan with coconut oil or butter. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat the granulated sugar and room temperature butter until creamed together. This will take 3-4 minutes. 

Add the mashed bananas, coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and sour cream to this mixture. Mix until blended together.

Add the flour, xanthum gum, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Blend the batter just until the dry ingredients are mixed with the wet ingredients. Don't over blend! 

Pour the cake batter into the greased 9x13 baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. The cake will be browned and firm, but slightly spongy to the touch.

Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes. Then place parchment paper on top of a baking sheet and invert the cake onto this. Skip this step if you want to frost the cake as is in the pan. 

Let the cake cool completely before frosting. I used my Gluten Free Chocolate Buttercream Frosting recipe.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Top Tip

I love the mixture of bananas and chocolate, so making a gluten free banana cake with chocolate buttercream frosting was a no brainer. This cake is dense, but moist and fluffy! It's perfect for a snack with coffee or a big glass of milk.

Favorite Things May 13, 2022

one of my favorite things is a vase of bright pink, red and orange zinnia flowers.

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

My Favorites at Public Goods

Recipe Ideas For The Week

Gluten Free Walking Taco Casserole

Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

GF Carrot Sheet Cake-9600

Gluten Free Carrot Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Stuff I Love

What I'm Reading - I'm not going to lie, my focus lately has been terrible so I haven't been getting far in the books I'm reading. However, I did add Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen to my to-be-read list this week.

What I'm Watching - I tried to watch Girls 5 Eva on the Peacock App. I didn't love it. Maybe I need to watch more than one episode and it gets better.

What I'm Loving - I needed some new pots and pans. I love my cast iron dutch oven, but it is so heavy! I ordered the Always Pan and Perfect Pot from Our Place. So far I'm loving both. They are lightweight, heat up nicely and cook evenly.

What I Want - I want to try the Olive and June Nail Polish Remover Pot. It is almost painted toenail season for me and the lid of the pot has an easy to use sponge to take off toenail polish!

New Women's at Old Navy

My Favorite Finds

I love a pair of pull on jean capris. They are like wearing lounge pants! This pair of Time and Tru dark denim mid rise look so comfy.

And, speaking of comfy these Champion jersey shorts are what I wear all summer long around the house and to the garden. They are super comfortable and wash up easily.

This pretty short sleeve crinkle gauze shirt is part of the Gap sale. Get 40% off with code FRIEND and an extra 10% off with code FAMILY.

I saw these super cute crossover slide sandals in the Banana Republic Factory Store sale. Everything is 50% off with an extra 20% added at checkout. I always wait for these big sales to pick up some staple pieces for the season.

This raffia fedora is also 70% off right now. It is perfect for the garden or beach. I love a good hat to keep the sun off my face and my hair part from burning in the sun.

Nautica is having their big sale too! These joggers are marked down to $21. This tie-dye crewneck is marked down to $17!

This Week's Sales

Gap - 40% off everything with code FRIEND
Macy's - 40% off women's swimwear
Target - Up to 25% off select furniture
Carter's - Up to 50% off dresses, 2-piece sets and more
Loft - 40% off select styles + 30% off new arrivals
Banana Republic Factory - 50% off everything
Nautica - Up to 70% off spring clearance

Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

These gluten free cowboy baked beans are the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table go back for seconds. Ground beef, crispy bacon, four types of beans, and a rich smoky BBQ sauce all come together in one dutch oven and bake into the most hearty and satisfying dish you will ever make. The combination of butter beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans gives every bite a different texture and the bold sauce made with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ready in just 45 minutes and completely gluten free from start to finish.

a dutch oven of gluten free cowboy baked beans next to two white bowls of beans.

This recipe works beautifully as both a hearty main dish and a crowd pleasing BBQ side dish which makes it one of the most versatile recipes in my summer rotation.

It is the dish I bring to every summer cookout, Fourth of July gathering, and potluck because it feeds a crowd, travels well, and gets even better the next day reheated.

If you are looking for a gluten free BBQ recipe that is guaranteed to impress, this is the one. You will make it once and it will become a permanent fixture in your summer recipe lineup.

If you are looking for more ground beef recipes you might also enjoy my Gluten Free Ground Beef Pasta Casserole, my Easy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole, my Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup, my Gluten Free Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, or my Gluten Free Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.

You can also find more recipes here: 10 Easy Gluten Free Beef Recipes

a white bowl of gluten free cowboy baked beans on a plate with a slice of bread.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In your dutch oven over medium heat pour the olive oil and cook the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook 3-4 minutes more until the onion is translucent.

Add the bacon, barbecue sauce, butter beans, pork and beans, navy beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, ground mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Supplies

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

Print
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Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

These easy gluten free cowboy baked beans are the ultimate hearty comfort food made with ground beef, crispy bacon, four types of beans, and a rich smoky BBQ sauce all baked together in one dutch oven in just 45 minutes. A crowd pleasing gluten free recipe that works as a hearty main dish or the best BBQ side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, Fourth of July, and easy weeknight dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In your dutch oven over medium heat pour the olive oil and cook the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook 3-4 minutes more until the onion is translucent.

Add the bacon, barbecue sauce, butter beans, pork and beans, navy beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, ground mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Be sure to use certified gluten free Worcestershire sauce in this recipe. Standard Worcestershire sauce is not gluten free as it typically contains malt vinegar which is made from barley. Always check the label carefully and look for a product that is specifically labeled certified gluten free. Lea and Perrins is one of the most widely available brands and their Worcestershire sauce is considered gluten free in the United States, but always verify the label on the bottle you purchase to be sure.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Beans
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

If you make these Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans I would love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating and a comment below and let me know what occasion you served them for.

Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again all summer long!

Storage

Store leftover gluten free cowboy baked beans in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. These beans reheat beautifully and the flavor gets even better the next day as the sauce continues to develop overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in a covered bowl. These cowboy baked beans also freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top Tip

Do not drain the pork and beans before adding them to the dutch oven. The liquid in the can is part of what creates the rich and saucy base for these cowboy baked beans. All of the other canned beans should be drained and rinsed as the recipe calls for, but keeping the pork and beans liquid in the pot adds flavor and helps the sauce come together beautifully during baking. If you drain all four cans of beans the finished dish will be too thick and dry rather than saucy and rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cowboy baked beans?

Cowboy baked beans are a hearty and flavor packed version of classic baked beans that are loaded with meat, typically ground beef and bacon, along with multiple types of beans and a rich smoky BBQ sauce. Unlike traditional baked beans which are usually served as a simple side dish, cowboy beans are substantial enough to serve as a complete main course. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors from the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard is what makes them so irresistible.

Can I make these cowboy baked beans ahead of time?

Absolutely and I actually recommend it! These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop and meld together overnight in the refrigerator. You can assemble the entire dish and bake it a day ahead, then reheat it covered in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes before serving. They are also a great make ahead option for summer cookouts and potlucks since they travel well and reheat beautifully.

Can I make these cowboy baked beans in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make these in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and cook the onion and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and add all of the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker version is a great option for summer entertaining because it keeps the beans warm throughout the party without heating up your kitchen.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy works well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the label and use a certified gluten free BBQ sauce as many store bought versions contain gluten. A smoky or hickory flavored BBQ sauce gives the beans the most classic cowboy flavor but a sweet BBQ sauce works beautifully too. If you prefer a spicier version look for a chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe without ground beef?

Yes! If you want to make a meatless version you can omit the ground beef entirely and the beans will still be hearty and delicious thanks to the bacon and the four types of beans. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. The cooking time and method remain the same regardless of which protein you choose.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely. The four bean combination of butter beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans is what gives these cowboy beans their hearty texture and variety but you can easily swap in whatever canned beans you have on hand. Great northern beans, black beans, or cannellini beans all work well as substitutes. Just remember to drain and rinse all of the canned beans except for the pork and beans, which should go in with their liquid for the best sauce consistency.

Gluten Free Walking Taco Casserole

This quick recipe for gluten free walking taco casserole is made with ground beef, cheddar cheese and cream cheese. This is the best one pot Mexican casserole and is perfect for dinner. It is similar to a taco pie or taco bake and is topped with gluten free tortilla chips.

a black cast iron skillet of gluten free walking taco casserole with a big dollop of sour cream on top.

Gluten Free Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy to make casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic taco dinner in a comforting, one pan dish.

Featuring ground beef, a blend of savory taco seasonings, and gluten free tortilla chips, this casserole offers a satisfying twist on a taco salad.

Topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and your favorite taco toppings, this dish can be customized with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, it's a quick and simple meal that everyone will enjoy.

If you are looking for more Mexican inspired recipes try my Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad, my Easy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole, my Gluten Free Taco Casserole or my Instant Pot Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole.

You can find all of my meal recipes here: Gluten Free Meals Recipes

a white plate of gluten free walking taco casserole next to a small white bowl of sour cream.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a cast iron skillet or oven safe frying pan cook the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Add the chopped onions and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the cream cheese, whipping cream, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the cream cheese is melted and everything is combined.

Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the tortilla chips on top the beef mixture in an even layer. Top them with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Top with black olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and/or  sour cream.

Supplies

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

Print
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Gluten Free Walking Taco Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This quick recipe for gluten free walking taco casserole is made with ground beef, cheddar cheese and cream cheese. This is the best one pot Mexican casserole and is perfect for dinner. It is similar to a taco pie or taco bake and is topped with gluten free tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a cast iron skillet or oven safe frying pan cook the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Add the chopped onions and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the cream cheese, whipping cream, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the cream cheese is melted and everything is combined.

Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the tortilla chips on top the beef mixture in an even layer. Top them with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Top with black olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and/or  sour cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cast Iron Skillet
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a walking taco made of?

A traditional walking taco is made in the bag of chips. Most use a single serving size bag of Doritos or Frito chips. This casserole uses the same concept of being an easy one dish meal, but is made in a skillet or baking dish rather than in the chip bag.

I topped this walking taco casserole with gluten free tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, olives and extra cheddar cheese. You could substitute a different type of gluten free chip and also add avocado on top too.

How long do I bake this gluten free taco casserole?

This gluten free taco casserole bakes at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. You precook the ground beef and onions. You are baking the walking taco casserole just to melt the cheese.

Favorite Things May 6, 2022

one of my favorite things is a huge bouquet of spring lilac flowers.

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

New Outdoor Dining at Target

Recipe Ideas For The Week

Gluten Free Cheesy Pinto Beans

Gluten Free Sloppy Joe Casserole

GF Oatmeal Raisin Cookies-9256

Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Stuff I Love

What I'm Reading - I'm reading The Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christine Simon. It has a bit of a slow start, but now the story is really picking up and I'm enjoying it. This book reminds me a lot of A Man Called One by Fredrik Backman.

What I'm Watching - I'm loving Julia on HBO. It is the best portrayal of Julia Childs I've seen. The show is so good!

What I'm Loving - I love my hand held KitchenAid mixer for making pancake batter, quickly whisking together dressings and so much more. They are on sale at Target right now!

What I Want - This pretty white stoneware cake stand is in my cart right now. It's also on sale!

New Home Arrivals at Walmart

My Favorite Finds

I think this little lamp is so pretty! It would be perfect for kitchen counter or a space that needs a bit more light.

I've been looking for the perfect pair of jean shorts for this summer. These cut off shorts with a 5-inch inseam are in my cart right now.

I'm always on the look out for pretty storage baskets. This rope basket with faux leather details is lovely and would have a wide range of uses.

I love a lazy susan for my kitchen cabinets, my dining room table and for my bathroom cabinets. This wooden lazy susan is pretty and looks like it would hold a lot!

I'm getting new countertops and I've been looking for cutting boards to have out. This acacia wood cutting board looks sturdy.

This two tiered fruit or veggie storage basket stand would be cute out on the counter and so nice for having what you need at hand.

I love a sturdy tote bag for summer. They are great for throwing what I need for a quick trip to the beach or shopping. This green carryall is pretty and so is this bright yellow backpack!

This Week's Sales

Under Armour - Extra 25% off all women's outlet apparel with code WOMEN25
Gap - Extra 40% off sale styles with code MORE
Our Place - $30 off the Always Pan, $40 off the Perfect Pot, and $25 off the Duo
BaubleBar - 20% off sitewide + $10 Pisa bracelets with code BB20
Madewell - 20% off summer favorites
J. Crew Factory - Up to 50% off everything
Columbia - Up to 60% off with code MAY60
Target - Extra 15% off all kitchen items with code KITCHEN15
Adidas - Up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
American Eagle - 30% off 4+ items, 25% off 3 items, 20% off 2 items with code GETSUM