Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The blend of naturally sweet bananas and juicy strawberries creates a soft, moist cake that feels like a bite of early summer. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting made dairy-free, it’s the perfect indulgence for anyone seeking a wholesome yet satisfying dessert.

This cake is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and made with real ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying a slice with tea, this strawberry banana treat delivers joy in every bite. It’s a fan-favorite for families and those with dietary sensitivities alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups oat flour

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup dairy-free cream cheese

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

3. Add oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated.

4. Gently fold in diced strawberries.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 30-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

8. For the frosting, whisk together the dairy-free cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

9. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set before slicing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 33 minutes | Total Time: 43 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per slice | Servings: 9 slices

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Cake

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and bananas. The sweetness of ripe bananas and the bright, slightly tangy flavor of fresh strawberries complement each other perfectly, making this cake not just a treat, but a celebration of natural fruit flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a midweek craving, this gluten-free and dairy-free cake brings together simplicity, health, and indulgence in one delicious bite.

Unlike many store-bought or conventional cakes, this recipe doesn’t rely on processed sugars or flours. Instead, it uses wholesome ingredients like oat flour and almond flour, offering a nutrient-dense base while remaining wonderfully light and moist. The dairy-free cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch of richness, making each slice feel like a small luxury without the heaviness.

What’s more, this cake is incredibly versatile. It’s elegant enough to serve at birthdays or brunch gatherings, yet casual and easy enough for a weekday dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that suits gluten-free diets and dairy sensitivities, without sacrificing texture or taste.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Bananas

Bananas are the backbone of this cake, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and binding power. Ripe bananas are best — the riper, the better as they blend more smoothly into the batter and offer a richer flavor. Bananas also supply potassium, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a great whole-food choice for healthy baking.

• Strawberries

Fresh, diced strawberries not only contribute bursts of juicy flavor but also bring natural sweetness and color to the cake. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a nutritional benefit to every bite. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

• Oat Flour and Almond Flour

This combination of flours is what gives the cake its gluten-free status and tender texture. Oat flour brings a soft, hearty crumb and mild sweetness, while almond flour adds richness and moisture. These two flours complement each other and mimic the texture of traditional cake flour without the gluten.

• Almond Butter and Applesauce

Together, almond butter and unsweetened applesauce replace the need for butter or oil. Almond butter adds depth, protein, and healthy fats, while applesauce lends moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. This duo ensures a moist, soft cake without being greasy or heavy.

• Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, keeping the cake refined sugar-free. It offers a subtle caramel note and works beautifully with both the banana and strawberry flavors. Using liquid sweetener also adds to the moistness of the final cake without overpowering it.

Frosting that Feels Like a Hug

The cream cheese frosting is dairy-free but rich, smooth, and just sweet enough. It’s made with plant-based cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. The simplicity of this frosting lets the fruit flavors of the cake shine while adding a comforting, creamy finish. You can use a hand whisk or electric mixer to get the frosting extra fluffy, a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

If you’re feeling creative, you could add a touch of lemon zest for brightness or even swirl in a spoonful of strawberry puree to match the fruit inside the cake. Just be mindful not to make the frosting too runny; a firm texture helps it stay put on top of each slice.

Tips for Success

• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking pan ensures the cake won’t stick, making it easier to remove and slice.

• Let it cool completely: Because the frosting is soft, letting the cake cool before applying it is essential. If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.

• Chill the cake after frosting: A brief chill in the fridge helps set the frosting and makes slicing neater.

• Mash bananas thoroughly: Make sure your bananas are fully mashed to avoid uneven texture and lumps in the cake.

• Fold in strawberries gently: Stirring too vigorously can crush the berries and release too much juice into the batter, which may affect the cake’s structure.

Customization Ideas

This cake is wonderfully flexible. You can tailor it to suit your preferences or pantry staples:

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

• Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry twist.

• Top with fresh berries just before serving for an eye-catching finish.

• Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

• Make it a layer cake by doubling the recipe and using two round cake pans.

If you’d like a breakfast-friendly version, you can skip the frosting altogether and bake the batter into muffins instead. They’re great on the go and freeze well too.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This cake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness. The frosting may firm up slightly in the fridge, which actually improves the texture.

You can also make the cake a day ahead and frost it just before serving. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

If you want to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Allow slices to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Health Benefits

What sets this cake apart is its nutritional profile. Unlike traditional cakes that are loaded with white flour and refined sugars, this recipe uses whole-food ingredients that are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Here’s a quick snapshot of its benefits:

• High in fiber thanks to the oat and almond flour.

• Low glycemic index due to natural sweeteners and healthy fats.

• Rich in antioxidants from strawberries and bananas.

• Contains plant-based protein from almond butter and almond flour.

• Free from common allergens like wheat and dairy, making it suitable for more diets.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert, it’s a reminder that healthy food can be indulgent, joyful, and truly delicious. It’s a cake that caters to modern dietary needs without compromising on flavor, texture, or satisfaction. From its soft, fruit-packed crumb to its luxuriously creamy topping, every slice is a celebration of real ingredients and simple pleasure.

Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or weekday treats, this cake is sure to become a staple in your gluten-free baking repertoire. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a sweet spot where nutrition meets indulgence and where every bite feels like a little moment of joy.