Delicious & Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Caramel Cookies: A Perfect Treat for Ripe Bananas

Are those spotty, overripe bananas on your kitchen counter calling for attention, but you’re just not in the mood for yet another batch of banana bread? You’re not alone! While banana bread is a beloved classic, sometimes a different kind of sweet treat is exactly what you need. Get ready to transform those neglected bananas into something truly extraordinary with this recipe for **Banana Caramel Cookies**! These delectable cookies are not only incredibly easy to make but are also completely **gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan**, making them a guilt-free indulgence for everyone.

The combination of sweet, ripe banana and rich, creamy caramel is a match made in dessert heaven, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. These cookies offer a unique texture – a soft, tender base encasing a luscious, naturally sweetened caramel filling, all enrobed in a crisp chocolate shell. They’re a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adhering to a wholesome, plant-based diet. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to elevate the flavor with a hint of cinnamon in the cookie dough or caramel, or even experiment with dipping them in dairy-free white chocolate for a delightful twist instead of classic dark chocolate.

Why These Banana Caramel Cookies Are Your New Go-To Dessert

While banana bread has been the traditional solution for overripe bananas for ages, these banana caramel cookies offer a compelling alternative that brings a fresh wave of flavor and excitement to your dessert repertoire. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• The Ultimate Ripe Banana Rescue: This recipe thrives on super spotty, even brown bananas, making it the perfect hero for fruit that might otherwise go to waste. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more intense the caramel flavor will be!
• An Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: The classic pairing of banana and caramel is elevated to new heights. The natural sweetness of the banana melds beautifully with the coconut sugar and coconut cream, creating a caramel that is uniquely fruity, deeply rich, and utterly addictive.
• Thoughtfully Crafted for Dietary Needs: These cookies are a dream come true for those seeking healthier dessert options. They are meticulously crafted to be **gluten-free**, utilizing almond flour for a tender texture. They are also **refined sugar-free**, relying on natural sweeteners, and entirely **vegan**, suitable for plant-based diets.
• Surprisingly Simple Preparation: Despite their gourmet appeal, these cookies are remarkably straightforward to prepare. The banana caramel comes together easily on the stovetop, and the cookie dough requires minimal effort, proving that wholesome doesn’t mean complicated.
• Endless Customization Potential: Don’t hesitate to make these cookies your own! A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg can add warmth to the cookie or caramel. You could even sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate coating for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.

Gather Your Wholesome Ingredients

Crafting these exceptional banana caramel cookies begins with a selection of high-quality, plant-based ingredients. Each component is chosen to contribute to the overall healthiness, flavor, and delightful texture of the final treat. Let’s explore what you’ll need:

For the Perfectly Chewy Gluten-Free Cookie Base:

• Almond Flour: This is the cornerstone of our tender, gluten-free cookie. Almond flour not only provides a delicate, slightly nutty flavor but also ensures a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that’s satisfying without being dense. It’s an excellent grain-free option, rich in healthy fats and protein.

  Substitution Flexibility: For those with almond sensitivities or a desire to experiment, other nut or seed flours can be used. To create **sunflower flour**, simply grind raw sunflower seeds in a high-speed blender or food processor until a fine, flour-like consistency is achieved. Cashew flour is another great alternative, offering a similar soft texture. Keep in mind that different flours absorb moisture differently, so minor adjustments to liquid might be necessary.

• Maple Syrup: Serving as both a natural sweetener and a binder, pure maple syrup imparts a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the banana and caramel flavors beautifully, steering clear of refined sugars.
• Melted Coconut Oil: Our healthy fat source, melted coconut oil, is key to achieving the moistness and the desirable chewiness of these cookies. Ensure it’s gently melted and slightly cooled before incorporating into the dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, vanilla extract ties all the ingredients together, adding a comforting aroma and deepening the overall sweet profile of the cookie.

For the Dreamy Refined Sugar-Free Banana Caramel Filling:

• Super Ripe Bananas: These are the undisputed heroes of our caramel. It cannot be stressed enough: choose bananas that are very soft and heavily speckled with brown spots (or even mostly brown!). This level of ripeness guarantees maximum natural sweetness and a deep, concentrated banana flavor, which is vital for a truly delicious, refined sugar-free caramel.
• Coconut Sugar: This natural, unrefined sweetener gives our caramel its classic rich, toffee-like flavor and golden hue. It caramelizes beautifully on the stovetop, providing that satisfying stickiness characteristic of traditional caramel.

  Lower Sugar Option: If you wish to reduce the sugar content further, you can substitute up to half of the coconut sugar with a high-quality monk fruit sweetener. This will help maintain the desired sweetness while lowering the overall carbohydrate count.

• Canned Coconut Milk (Thick Cream): This ingredient is paramount for the luxurious, creamy texture of the banana caramel. For best results, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the thick, solid cream to separate and rise to the top, which you’ll then carefully scoop out and use, leaving the watery liquid behind.

  Essential Note: For this specific caramel recipe, using the thick cream from full-fat canned coconut milk is essential for achieving the correct consistency and richness. There isn’t an equivalent substitute that will yield the same results at this time.

• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the caramel’s flavor, adding complexity and warmth.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny bit of sea salt is a secret weapon in caramel making. It perfectly balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the caramel from being cloyingly sweet.

For the Decadent Chocolate Coating:

• Refined Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: To complete these extraordinary cookies, a luscious chocolate coating is a must. We highly recommend using high-quality **refined sugar-free chocolate chips** to keep the entire treat wholesome and compliant with dietary preferences. Brands like Hu Kitchen are excellent choices, known for their minimal, clean ingredients.

  Exclusive Discount: Remember to use the code “Danishealthyeats” at checkout for 15% off any Hu Kitchen order!

  Creative Alternatives: While a dark chocolate coating is classic, feel free to get creative! Dairy-free white chocolate chips or even a blend of different plant-based chocolate types can offer exciting variations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Banana Caramel Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your banana caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. **Prepare the Banana Caramel:** Begin by combining all the banana caramel ingredients (super ripe bananas, coconut sugar, canned coconut milk cream, vanilla, and sea salt) in a blender. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and free of lumps. Transfer this smooth mixture to a medium pot and place it over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel significantly thickens to a rich, spoonable consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. **Mix and Shape the Cookie Dough:** While your caramel is simmering, combine all the cookie ingredients (almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla) in a mixing bowl. Stir until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms. Roll the dough into approximately 12 uniform balls. Arrange these dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the palm of your hand, gently flatten each cookie ball slightly – these cookies won’t spread much on their own, so shaping them beforehand is key to their final appearance.
3. **Bake the Cookies:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the flattened cookies for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. It’s important not to overbake them, as we want to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the sheet before handling.
4. **Assemble and Pre-Chill:** Once both the cookies are fully cooled and the banana caramel has cooled and slightly thickened, spoon a generous dollop of the caramel onto the center of each cookie. You can gently spread it to the edges. Carefully transfer the caramel-topped cookies to the freezer for about 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the caramel layer to firm up, making the next chocolate-dipping step much easier and less messy.
5. **Dip in Chocolate and Final Freeze:** While the cookies are chilling, melt your chosen refined sugar-free chocolate chips. You can do this in a double boiler for even melting or carefully in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. Once the caramel on the cookies is firm to the touch, quickly dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s beautifully coated. Return the dipped cookies to the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Immediately place them back in the freezer until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm. Your incredible Banana Caramel Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Store Your Delicious Banana Caramel Cookies

To preserve the delightful texture and prevent the caramel from becoming too soft, these cookies are best stored in the freezer. Simply place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to one month, allowing you to always have a healthy, homemade treat readily available. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This brief thawing time will soften the cookie and caramel to their perfect chewy consistency, making every bite a heavenly experience.

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful Banana Caramel Cookies as much as we do! They prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. This recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures and any variations you try. Happy baking, and happy indulging!