Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Recipe

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If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is an absolute must-try. This luscious cake combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with a moist, tender crumb that is elevated by a silky, rich toffee sauce soaking into every bite. It’s a perfect treat whether you’re after a cozy weekend dessert or a special dish to share with friends and family. Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is simple to make yet impressively decadent, marrying the homey charm of banana bread with the indulgence of bread pudding and the delight of a gooey toffee topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, you’ll rely on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting its unique taste, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness and moisture of bananas to the warming spice of cinnamon, every component works harmoniously to create this indulgent dessert.

• 2 cups gluten-free or all-purpose flour: This forms the cake’s tender base, giving it structure without heaviness.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough for a nice, soft texture.
• ¼ tsp baking soda: Adds a little lift and improves crumb softness.
• ½ tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and fragrant spice into every bite.
• 8 tbsp butter: Adds richness and ensures moistness.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering it.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Gives depth with its caramel notes and helps caramelize edges.
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 bananas): Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
• ⅓ cup maple syrup: Adds a subtle, complex sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with floral, sweet notes.
• 3 eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s rich texture.
• ¾ cup buttermilk: Gives tender crumb and slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
• For the Toffee Sauce: 8 tbsp butter, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ¾ cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract — these turn into a decadent sauce that creates the signature sticky finish.

How to Make Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spritzing your deep 9×9 or 9×11 baking dish with nonstick spray. This preps the dish so nothing sticks, letting your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake bake evenly and release easily after.

Step 2: Whip Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter for a tender crumb. Then add the eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas, mixing until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This ensures those leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so your cake rises uniformly and bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so be gentle! The combination of mashed bananas and buttermilk creates a wonderfully moist batter that bakes into a dense yet soft texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end and test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean, and the cake should hold firm without jiggle. This dense, moist cake is the perfect canvas for the magic sauce that’s coming.

Step 6: Make the Irresistible Toffee Sauce

While your cake bakes, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat in a medium pot, regularly stirring until smooth—about 10 minutes. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, cooking gently for five more minutes without boiling. The sauce should be silky, rich, and pouring ready!

Step 7: Soak the Cake with Toffee Goodness

Once the cake cools slightly, poke holes all over the top with a toothpick, then pour the luscious toffee sauce evenly across the surface. Let it soak in for at least an hour. This step transforms the cake into a truly sticky, decadent delight that keeps begging for more.

How to Serve Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Garnishes

Top your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts gives a delightful crunch and nutty contrast, making every bite interesting and full of texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai latte, which cut through the sweetness and complement the cinnamon and banana notes. For an elegant touch, serve alongside fresh berries, which add a bright, tangy balance to the sticky richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable presentation, serve the cake warm in individual ramekins with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top. Alternatively, try layering slices in a trifle glass with whipped cream and caramelized bananas for a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers of Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for a day or two, but refrigerate it if you want it to last up to a week. The flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit!

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole (wrapped tightly) or cut into portions. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the toffee sauce will soak back into the cake beautifully.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven at low heat until warmed through. If you have extra toffee sauce, add a drizzle before serving to bring back all that luscious stickiness and decadence that make this cake special.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour if I don’t have gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! This recipe works seamlessly with either gluten-free or traditional all-purpose flour—just pick what suits your dietary needs or preference.

Why do I need to poke holes in the cake before pouring the toffee sauce?

Those little holes allow the sticky toffee sauce to sink into the cake, infusing every bite with moisture and sweetness instead of just sitting on top.

Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?

If you don’t have buttermilk, plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works perfectly to give that tender crumb and slight tang.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?

Use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots. They are sweeter and more flavorful, which enhances the Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake’s natural sweetness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the toffee sauce. The cake might have a slight flavor shift, but it’ll still be deliciously moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully comforting and impressively indulgent about this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake that makes it an instant favorite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done right, offering warm, gooey, and utterly delicious bites to brighten any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all the sticky, sweet magic that this cake brings to the table!

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