Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Craving a sweet, comforting treat that's also kind to your body? Look no further! These quick and easy vegan and gluten-free banana buckwheat mini cakes are the perfect solution for anyone seeking a wholesome, plant-based dessert or a delightful snack. Ideal for busy mornings, afternoon tea, or satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, this recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you're navigating dietary restrictions or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your diet, these buttery mini cakes deliver on flavor without the fuss.
This recipe smartly utilizes a convenient flapjack mix, making the baking process incredibly straightforward. The star ingredients, ripe bananas and creamy cultured cashew butter, contribute to a wonderfully moist and rich texture, proving that delightful treats don't need dairy or gluten.
Ingredients
To make these delightful mini cakes, you'll need:
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup (or as per package instructions for 6-8 mini cakes) Outcast Foods Flapjack Mix (or your preferred gluten-free buckwheat flapjack mix)
- 2-3 tablespoons Fauxmagerie Nut Cheese Cultured Cashew Butter (or any rich vegan butter alternative)
- ½ cup plant milk (or as per flapjack mix instructions)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A drizzle of maple syrup or other sweetener to taste (optional, if your mix isn't sweet enough)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Mini muffin tin or small cake pan
- Paper liners (for mini muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease a small cake pan.
- Mash Banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the cultured cashew butter (or vegan butter), plant milk, and optional vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Mix: Gradually add the buckwheat flapjack mix and optional cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cakes tough. The batter should be thick but pourable. Adjust plant milk if needed based on your specific mix.
- Fill & Bake: Pour or scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. For a cake pan, pour all the batter in.
- Bake: Bake for 12-18 minutes for mini cakes, or 25-30 minutes for a single small cake, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cake size.
- Cool & Serve: Let the mini cakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy plain or with a dollop of your favorite vegan cream cheese or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Variations & Adaptations
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Spiced Perfection: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon, especially for a fall-inspired treat.
- Lemon Zest: For a brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Muffin vs. Cake: This recipe can easily be made into standard-sized muffins or a small loaf cake by adjusting baking times.
Tips & Hacks
- Ripe Bananas are Key: For the best flavor and natural sweetness, always use very ripe bananas (those with brown spots).
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flours to some extent) and can lead to dense cakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Storage: Store leftover mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Image Gallery
Related Articles
Explore more delicious plant-based recipes and culinary inspiration:
- Discover how to make the Best Easy, Silky & Delicious Vegan Crepes Recipe for another breakfast or dessert option.
- Try these Healthy & Chewy Chocolate Banana Cookies Recipe if you have extra ripe bananas.
- Indulge in a rich Vegan Coconut Cake with Cashew Buttercream Recipe for a more elaborate dessert.
- Satisfy your muffin cravings with Blueberry Walnut Muffins Vegan Recipe.
Try This Recipe!
We'd love to see your creations! Bake these delicious Quick & Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Buckwheat Mini Cakes and share your results. Tag us and let us know your favorite variations in the comments below!
