Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 3–4 tbsp milk of choice
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Cake Base: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish Baking: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the almond topping is set and golden.
- Toast Almonds: Turn on the broiler and broil the cake for 1-2 minutes to toast the slivered almonds. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Glaze and Dust: Lightly dust the cooled cake with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top if desired.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: banana cake, brown butter cake, almond croissant cake, frangipane topping, vanilla glaze, moist banana dessert, nutty banana cake