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Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake Recipe

Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake Recipe

5.1 from 16 reviews

This Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake is a delightful fusion of moist banana cake infused with rich brown butter, topped with a luscious almond frangipane and slivered almonds. Finished with a light vanilla glaze, this cake offers the perfect balance of nutty flavors and sweet vanilla tones, making it a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Cake Base

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, at room temperature
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Almond Topping (Frangipane)

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Vanilla Glaze and Dusting

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 34 tbsp milk of choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch round cake or springform pan and dust it lightly with flour. Cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and line it. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Butter: Place 1/2 cup salted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously and cook for about 5-8 minutes until it melts and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until combined. Add 2 eggs, 1 cup Greek yogurt, mashed bananas, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Incorporate Dry to Wet: Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake Cake Base: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
  7. Prepare Almond Topping: While the cake bakes, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups almond flour, 1 tsp almond extract, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  8. Top the Cake: When the cake base is done, remove it from the oven. Spread the almond topping evenly over the hot cake and sprinkle with 1/2 cup slivered almonds.
  9. Finish Baking: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the almond topping is set and golden.
  10. Toast Almonds: Turn on the broiler and broil the cake for 1-2 minutes to toast the slivered almonds. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully remove the cake. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
  12. Make Vanilla Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract, and 3-4 tbsp milk until smooth and pourable.
  13. Glaze and Dust: Lightly dust the cooled cake with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top if desired.
  14. Serve: Slice and enjoy this beautifully moist, nutty, and flavorful banana cake.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Be sure to watch the almonds closely while broiling; they can burn quickly.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and texture.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free yogurt and milk.
  • The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Allow the cake to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
  • Almond flour and slivered almonds give the topping a croissant-like texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana cake, brown butter cake, almond croissant cake, frangipane topping, vanilla glaze, moist banana dessert, nutty banana cake