The first whiff of this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake pulls me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where sweet, ripe bananas mingled with a hint of cinnamon in the air. This dessert is more than just a feast for the senses; it’s comfort food at its finest, drenching moist cake in a rich, gooey toffee sauce that whispers indulgence. Even better, it’s a breeze to whip up using just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for surprise guests or lazy weekend treats. Whether you’re craving something special for a gathering or just a cozy night in, this dessert will leave your taste buds happy and your home filled with warmth. Curious to find out how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe together!
Why is This Cake So Irresistible?
Comforting and nostalgic, this Banana Bread Pudding Cake combines the heartwarming flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, perfect for any cozy occasion. Easy to make, it requires only staple ingredients, letting you whip it up even on busy days. Naturally sweetened, the toffee sauce elevates each slice into a deliciously gooey treat, sure to delight family and friends. Plus, it adapts beautifully to gluten-free or dairy-free diets, so no one feels left out! If you’re in the mood for another indulgent dessert, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or take a look at my Strawberry Shortcake Layer for another sweet option.
Banana Bread Pudding Cake Ingredients
• Discover the perfect ingredients for a Banana Bread Pudding Cake!
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent to help the cake rise.
- Baking Soda – Works with acidic ingredients for additional leavening.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor in the cake.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor; adjust or omit based on taste preferences.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; unsalted is best for precise seasoning.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness to balance flavors.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor; increase for a richer taste.
- Mashed Bananas – Key ingredient offering natural sweetness and moisture (about 2 ripe bananas).
- Maple Syrup – Brings natural sweetness and flavor; honey or agave can be subbed in.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor, creating a delightful aroma.
- Eggs – Gives structure and moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk – Adds tenderness; regular milk mixed with vinegar works as a substitute if needed.
For the Toffee Sauce
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Creates that signature toffee flavor we love.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the sauce beautifully.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a deep baking dish and generously spray it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the banana bread pudding cake later. This preparation is key to achieving a perfect, golden crust that’s both soft and delicious.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice a pale color change, indicating the sugars are well incorporated. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas, stirring gently to combine all the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake batter. Mix until well combined, and look for a light, airy mixture that will contribute to the cake’s wondrous texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle as you bring these elements together for your banana bread pudding cake.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading the surface evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the cake bakes, prepare the sticky toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently until the mixture is fully combined and begins to bubble. After about 2-3 minutes, carefully stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, creating a luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 7: Soak the Cake
Once the banana bread pudding cake has cooled slightly for about 10-15 minutes, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes throughout the surface of the cake. Pour the warm toffee sauce evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let it sit for at least one hour, allowing the cake to absorb that heavenly sauce, making each bite irresistible.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, slice the sticky banana bread pudding cake into generous pieces. For an indulgent touch, drizzle extra toffee sauce over each slice, or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm and comforting dessert experience. Enjoy the delightful flavors and aromas that fill your home!
Expert Tips for Banana Bread Pudding Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for an even texture; this helps the cake rise beautifully.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together; overmixing can lead to a dense Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
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Use an Oven Thermometer: Each oven can vary, so check your temperature accuracy to prevent underbaking or overbaking the cake.
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Poke Holes Wisely: Poke holes deep enough for the toffee sauce to soak in, but avoid going all the way to the bottom—this keeps the cake moist.
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Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and flavor; reheat gently for the best taste.
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Customize Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar in the toffee sauce to make it sweeter or less so, according to your preference—experiment to find your perfect balance!
What to Serve with Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
The perfect meal is just a few tantalizing pairings away from making this luscious dessert truly unforgettable!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, sticky pudding, enhancing the overall indulgence.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates each slice, making every bite feel special and indulgent.
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Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or sweet strawberries introduce a burst of freshness and acidity, beautifully balancing the rich flavors of the cake.
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Chai Tea: Spiced chai tea complements the warm cinnamon notes in the pudding, creating a cozy beverage pairing.
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Coffee: A cup of strong, dark coffee acts as a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake, deepening the flavor experience.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce over the top brings a new level of richness, transforming each slice into a decadent treat.
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Chopped Pecans: Crunchy pecans sprinkled atop add wonderful texture and a nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the moist cake.
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Caramel Sauce: For an even sweeter experience, a drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the dessert’s decadence, making it truly irresistible.
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Mint Sprigs: Fresh mint on top acts as a beautiful garnish, adding a pop of color and a refreshing taste to balance the richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cakes are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time during busy weeknights or special occasions. You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix the wet and dry ingredients as per the recipe, then store it covered in the refrigerator. The baked cake can also be made up to 3 days beforehand; just let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. To maintain its deliciousness, make the toffee sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve. Simply reheat the cake gently in the oven and pour the warm toffee sauce over just before serving to ensure it remains just as delightful as the first bite!
Banana Bread Pudding Cake Variations
Feel free to customize your Banana Bread Pudding Cake with these delightful twists!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Nuts not only amplify texture but also bring a new dimension of flavor to each slice.
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Chocolate Twist: Substitute the toffee sauce with a rich chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert variation. The chocolate sauce will envelop the cake in a scrumptious, velvety embrace.
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Caramel Delight: Use caramel sauce instead of toffee for a sweeter, buttery flavor infusion. It creates a lovely contrast to the banana while adding a touch of indulgence.
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Fruit Fusion: Swap half of the mashed bananas for applesauce for a lighter texture and subtle apple flavor. This delightful mix adds extra moisture while keeping the banana essence front and center.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a gentle heat that elevates the flavor profile. It’s a surprising twist that contrasts against the sweetness of the cake.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a little vinegar for a dairy-free version that still tastes luscious. It’s great for those with dietary restrictions!
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Sweet Swap: For an even more natural sweetness, use date syrup instead of maple syrup in the recipe. This will bring a unique richness that pairs beautifully with bananas.
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Layered Cake: Bake the cake in two 9-inch rounds and layer them with whipped cream in between for an elegant presentation. Pair with a drizzle of Chocolate Poke Cake sauce for added richness!
Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night at home or celebrating a special occasion, there’s a delicious variation here to suit your mood! And if you’re looking for tasty ideas that keep comfort food at the forefront, don’t miss my Jack Lantern Pancakes or the delightful Finger Garlic Bread.
Storage Tips for Banana Bread Pudding Cake
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. For an extra touch of indulgence, warm additional toffee sauce to drizzle on top!
- Serving Temperature: This Banana Bread Pudding Cake is delightful warm or at room temperature, so feel free to serve it as you prefer!
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough to use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and sweetness in your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, look for bananas that are fully yellow with brown specks or spots. The darker the spots, the sweeter the bananas will be, providing that natural sweetness you want in your dessert.
How should I store leftovers of the cake?
To keep your Banana Bread Pudding Cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, and warm some extra toffee sauce to drizzle over the top if you have any left!
Can I freeze the Banana Bread Pudding Cake? How do I do that?
Absolutely! For freezing, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave at 30-60 second intervals until warmed through—it’s a perfect treat for a lazy day!
What should I do if my cake turns out too dense?
Very! If your Banana Bread Pudding Cake comes out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated; a few lumps are okay. Also, ensure that your baking powder and soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise. For the next time, use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your baking temperature—each oven can vary!
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this Banana Bread Pudding Cake for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder you use is certified gluten-free too. Enjoy the same delicious flavor without worrying about gluten!
Are there any common allergies I should consider with this recipe?
Very good question! This Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk and butter), and gluten (in the flour). For dairy-free options, you can substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Always check brand labels for possible allergens when adaptating the recipe!
Irresistible Banana Bread Pudding Cake with Sticky Toffee Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a deep baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently, ensuring no overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, then stir in heavy cream and vanilla, allowing to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes in the top and pour the warm toffee sauce over it, letting sit for at least an hour.
- Slice the cake, serve with extra toffee sauce or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy!
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