Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake
This Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake combines the comforting flavors of banana and the elegance of almond croissants. With a soft and fluffy brown butter banana cake base, it’s topped with rich almond frangipane, toasted slivered almonds, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a delightful twist on classic flavors.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Brown suagr
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Ripe bananas
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Almond flour
Almond extract
Sliced almonds
Powdered sugar
Milk of choice
Why You’ll Love a Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake:
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The brown butter banana cake base is tender and light, making every bite irresistibly soft and moist.
Rich Almond Frangipane Topping: The creamy almond frangipane adds a luxurious layer of flavor reminiscent of classic almond croissants.
Toasted Slivered Almonds for Crunch: A sprinkling of toasted slivered almonds provides the perfect contrast with a delightful crunch in every slice.
Elegant Presentation: Topped with powdered sugar and a vanilla glaze, this cake looks stunning on any brunch or dessert table.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this versatile cake is suitable for every gathering or quiet indulgence.
Warm, Nutty Brown Butter Flavor: The nutty richness of brown butter enhances the banana cake base, taking it to the next level.
Delicate Vanilla Glaze Finish: A drizzle of vanilla glaze ties all the flavors together with a sweet and aromatic touch.
Elevated Banana Cake Twist: This isn’t your average banana cake—it’s a sophisticated fusion of banana bread and almond croissants.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of classic banana flavors with almond and brown butter is sure to impress friends and family.
Easy to Make Yet Impressive: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is straightforward to prepare, perfect for bakers of all levels.
Tips for Making a Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake:
Use Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for the cake base, providing natural sweetness and enhancing the banana flavor.
Perfect the Brown Butter: Cook the butter over medium heat until it’s golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before incorporating into the batter to avoid curdling.
Cream the Sugar and Butter Well: For a light and fluffy texture, beat the sugar and brown butter until creamy and fully combined.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, fluffy cake texture.
Prepare the Almond Frangipane Ahead: Make the frangipane topping in advance to save time and ensure it’s ready to spread over the batter.
Toast Almonds for Extra Flavor: Toast the slivered almonds lightly before adding them to the cake for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Grease the Pan Thoroughly: Use butter or nonstick spray to grease the pan, ensuring the cake releases easily after baking.
Bake Until Just Set: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs to prevent overbaking.
Cool Before Adding Glaze: Let the cake cool completely before drizzling the vanilla glaze to ensure it doesn’t melt and soak into the cake.
Sift Powdered Sugar for a Professional Look: Use a fine-mesh strainer to evenly dust powdered sugar over the cake for a polished finish.
Adjust Sweetness of Glaze: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a touch more vanilla extract for balance.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This cake tastes delicious warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Store Properly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Reheat for Freshness: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Experiment with Additional Toppings: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or even some chopped chocolate for a personalized twist.
How to Store a Brown Butter Almond Croissant Banana Cake:
Room Temperature (Short-Term): Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration (Extended Storage): For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 5–7 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thawing Frozen Cake: To thaw, transfer the cake to the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, let it sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours.
Reheat for Freshness: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for about 5 minutes to revive the soft, fluffy texture.
Store Glaze Separately (Optional): If planning to store for an extended period, you can keep the vanilla glaze in an airtight container in the fridge and drizzle it over the cake just before serving.
Avoid Storing with Powdered Sugar: If you plan to store the cake for more than a day, wait to dust it with powdered sugar until just before serving to maintain its fresh look.
Use a Cake Dome for Room Temperature Storage: A cake dome not only keeps the cake fresh but also prevents it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
Wrap Individual Slices for Grab-and-Go: For convenience, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Keep Away from Moisture and Heat: Whether storing at room temperature or in the fridge, ensure the cake is kept away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve its texture and flavor.
FAQs:
Q: How is the cake baked with the almond frangipane topping?
A: First, bake the banana cake base until it’s almost done. Then, spread the almond frangipane topping over the cake and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Finally, broil the slivered almonds on top for 1–2 minutes to toast them perfectly.
Q: Can I skip broiling the slivered almonds?
A: Broiling enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch, but you can skip it if preferred. Toast the almonds separately before adding them to the cake.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from over-baking?
A: Keep an eye on the cake during the initial bake and when adding the frangipane topping. Insert a toothpick into the base to check for doneness— it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Q: Can I make the almond frangipane ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the almond frangipane topping in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
Q: How do I ensure the almonds don’t burn while broiling?
A: Watch the cake closely while broiling the slivered almonds. Broil for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they’re lightly golden and not overdone.
Q: Can I use a different nut topping?
A: Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can be used in place of slivered almonds for a different flavor and texture.
Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: Toast the slivered almonds separately in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and sprinkle them over the cake after baking.
Q: Can I freeze the cake after adding the almond frangipane and almonds?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze the cake before adding the glaze and powdered sugar. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature to enjoy the soft banana base, creamy frangipane topping, and toasted almond crunch.
Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
A: Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar or add a little more vanilla extract to balance the sweetness to your liking.
Check out my other almond recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter almond croissant banana cake. Happy baking!
