There’s something quietly satisfying about biting into a slice of banana zucchini cake that feels like it’s been made just for you. It’s not overly sweet, but it’s rich with the gentle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that tender crumb makes you want to savor every bite. I remember one afternoon when I tried this cake — the kitchen smelled like a mix of ripe bananas and fresh spices, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a piece while it was still a little warm. I almost forgot I was supposed to let it cool completely. The zucchini adds this subtle moistness that you don’t expect at first, but it’s what keeps the cake from feeling dry or heavy. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself thinking about long after the last crumb is gone.
Why You’ll Love It
- Moist and tender texture thanks to shredded zucchini and ripe bananas — it’s like nature’s way of sneaking in veggies.
- Gluten free without feeling like you’re missing out on traditional cake indulgence.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
- Perfect for snack time, dessert, or even a casual breakfast with coffee or tea.
If you’re worried about the texture or the zucchini flavor, don’t be. It blends in so well that even picky eaters might not notice it’s there. I usually keep an eye on the baking time since ovens vary, but it’s forgiving if you pull it out a bit early or let it stay just a few minutes longer.
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Gluten Free Banana Zucchini Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful gluten free banana zucchini cake made with ripe bananas, shredded zucchini, and a blend of gluten free flours. Perfect as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan with gluten free flour.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, shredded zucchini, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well.
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Kitchen Notes
This cake bakes beautifully in a standard loaf pan—nothing fancy needed. It’s great on its own, but I sometimes like to smear a little cream cheese or nut butter on a slice for a richer snack. If you want to switch things up, you could try adding walnuts or chocolate chips, though I haven’t tested all variations extensively. For a lighter twist, swapping some of the sugar for maple syrup might work—just remember it’ll change the texture slightly. Leftovers keep well wrapped at room temperature, but I usually refrigerate mine to stretch the enjoyment a few days longer.
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free? Yes, but you might notice a slightly different texture—still delicious, though.
Will the zucchini make the cake soggy? Not if you squeeze out the excess moisture well before mixing it in.
Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely, just wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Give this gluten free banana zucchini cake a try when you want something that feels like a little homemade hug. You might find it becomes your go-to for those moments when you want comfort without fuss.