Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

This Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a delightful blend of ripe bananas, rich maple syrup, and a luscious homemade toffee sauce. It’s the perfect cozy dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or simply treating yourself after a long day. The cake’s moist texture and its decadent topping make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Rich Flavor: With ingredients like ripe bananas and maple syrup, the flavor profile is sweet yet balanced.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
• Decadent Topping: The homemade toffee sauce adds an irresistible touch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Generous Servings: With 14 servings, it’s great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking dish (9x9x3” or 9x11x3”)
• Medium stock pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
• Baking dish: The right size ensures even baking and proper texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients without overmixing, keeping the cake light and fluffy.

Ingredients

This Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake combines ripe bananas, maple syrup, and a decadent homemade toffee sauce for the ultimate cozy dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

For the Cake

• 2 cups 1.1 GF or all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 8 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 bananas)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Toffee Sauce

• 8 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x9x3” or 9x11x3” deep baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Note that using a larger baking dish will affect the bake time, so always check the cake for doneness with a toothpick.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour), baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish:
– Bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean and not jiggle. This cake will be dense and very moist.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the cake is baking:
1. In a medium stock pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently.
2. Cook for about 10 minutes until well combined and smooth.
3. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract; cook for an additional 5 minutes without boiling. The sauce should be silky smooth.
4. Remove from heat and pour into a glass container to cool.

Step 7: Add Toffee Sauce to Cake

Once the cake is done and slightly cooled:
– Poke holes all over the top using a toothpick.
– Pour cooled toffee sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in for at least 1 hour.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake:
– Serve with extra toffee sauce if desired. Enjoy this rich, moist treat!

How to Serve Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Serving Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is all about enhancing its rich, moist texture with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Top with Ice Cream

• Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that adds creaminess to the warm pudding.

Drizzle with Extra Toffee Sauce

• For those who love indulgence, drizzle additional toffee sauce on top before serving. It enhances the cake’s flavor and adds extra sweetness.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Garnish with slices of fresh bananas or berries. Their natural sweetness and acidity balance out the richness of the cake.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the dense pudding cake, making each bite delightful.

Include Nuts for Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing this dessert with a cup of coffee or tea can create a comforting end to any meal, enhancing the flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

To achieve the perfect Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, follow these helpful tips that ensure great results every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir until just combined when mixing wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light, fluffy cake.

• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to test if your cake is done. The toothpick should come out clean; this ensures it’s baked perfectly without being undercooked.

• Let It Soak: Allow the toffee sauce to soak into the cake for at least one hour after baking. This step is crucial for achieving that sticky, moist consistency.

• Serve Warm: Enjoying this cake warm brings out its best flavors and textures. Heat it slightly if it’s been refrigerated before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Pairing side dishes with Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Soft, fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar bring an extra layer of sweetness and spice that complements the cake well.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a light contrast that balances out the richness of the pudding.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie adds an interesting savory element that pairs wonderfully.
4. Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, dipping pieces of bread or fruit into chocolate fondue creates a fun interactive dessert experience.
5. Chai-Spiced Tea: Brewed chai tea adds warmth and spice, enhancing the flavors in your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake while being soothing.
6. Caramelized Apples: Sautéed apples in butter and sugar create a delightful side dish that’s both sweet and slightly tart, perfect alongside banana flavors.
7. Rice Pudding: Creamy rice pudding made with cinnamon can be served warm or chilled as a comforting side dish that complements your dessert nicely.
8. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a tangy yet sweet side that refreshes your palate after enjoying the sticky cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results with your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Not Using Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are key for flavor and moisture. Choose bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Skipping the Toffee Sauce: The toffee sauce enhances the cake’s flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it adds a delightful richness.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Ignoring Bake Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Always check for doneness with a toothpick to ensure your cake is perfectly baked.
• Pouring Hot Sauce on Hot Cake: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the toffee sauce. This helps it soak in properly without becoming soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common queries about making Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?

Yes, gluten-free flour works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s a good blend designed for baking.

How do I know when my Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean without batter clinging, it’s done!

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice as an alternative.

Is there a way to make this dessert vegan?

You can use plant-based butter, flaxseed eggs, and non-dairy milk as substitutes for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. This cozy dessert is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, making it an excellent addition to any gathering. Give it a try, and savor every bite!