There’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of sweet, freshly baked Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, especially when it’s drizzled with a luscious homemade toffee sauce. As I stirred the ingredients together one chilly evening, the warm scent of ripe bananas and vanilla danced through my kitchen, instantly melting away the stress of the day. This delightful dessert is not just a way to use up overripe bananas; it’s a heartwarming treat that beckons you to gather friends and family for a slice (or two).
Perfect for potlucks or quiet nights at home, this cake is an indulgence that feels rich yet is surprisingly easy to make. With a gluten-free option available, everyone can join in on the joy of this golden, moist creation. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
Why is Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake irresistible?
Warm, Comforting Dessert: This cake brings the cozy flavors of home, making it perfect for sharing.
Rich, Decadent Toffee Sauce: Each slice is generously soaked in a luscious sauce that elevates the entire dessert experience.
Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re not a baking pro; the straightforward steps make it accessible for everyone.
Gluten-Free Option Available: You can easily adapt this recipe to cater to dietary preferences, ensuring no one misses out on the deliciousness.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck or family dinner, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Indulge in a slice of joy that will leave your loved ones asking for more!
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Ripe Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds necessary sweetness for your cake’s base.
• Brown Sugar – Provides deeper flavor with subtle caramel notes.
• Butter – Ensures richness and moisture; swap for vegan butter if needed.
• Eggs – Binds everything together and helps the cake rise; flax eggs can substitute for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Buttermilk – Helps create a tender cake; use a milk-vinegar mix as a substitute if you’re out.
• Maple Syrup – Natural sweetener that enhances flavor; can replace with agave syrup if desired.
• Gluten-Free Flour (or All-Purpose Flour) – Creates the cake’s structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
• Baking Powder – Make sure it’s fresh for proper leavening.
• Baking Soda – Works with acidic ingredients to ensure fluffiness.
• Kosher Salt – Balances the overall sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy flavor, though it’s optional.
For the Toffee Sauce
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the sauce; coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute.
• Brown Sugar – Creates that signature toffee flavor; use light or dark depending on your preference.
Gather these ingredients, and let’s create a tempting treat that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
How to Make Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get a 9×9 or 9×11-inch baking dish ready by greasing it with nonstick spray. This sets the stage for a beautifully baked cake!
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Cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will create a solid base for your cake’s texture.
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Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You’ll be surrounded by a delightful aroma already!
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Whisk together the gluten-free or all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined. Remember, overmixing can toughen your cake, so keep it gentle!
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Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when ready.
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Prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
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Poke holes in the top of the baked cake and pour the warm toffee sauce all over it. Let it soak for at least an hour before slicing to achieve that decadent, soaked-in flavor.
Optional: For an extra touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
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Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe to enhance sweetness and moisture in the cake. The more spots, the better!
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Avoid Overmixing: Mixing just until combined ensures a tender cake. Overmixing may lead to a tough texture—nobody wants that!
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Check Baking Time: Different baking dish sizes can affect cooking time. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes with a toothpick.
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Let it Rest: Allow the cake to soak in the toffee sauce for at least an hour before slicing for optimum flavor infusion.
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Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to your batter for a delightful twist and added texture in your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
What to Serve with Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
Imagine the warmth of your kitchen, filled with the sweet aroma of this delightful dessert, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm cake, balancing the richness of the toffee sauce.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the cake’s flavors while providing that classic dessert touch.
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a burst of tartness that perfectly offsets the sweetness, brightening every bite.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For caramel lovers, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake will amplify the indulgence—a sweet surprise with every forkful!
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso complements the dense cake, awakening your senses and adding warmth to your dessert experience.
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Nutty Topping: Sprinkling toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts will add a satisfying crunch, enhancing the texture while boosting appealing flavors.
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Cocoa Dusting: A light dusting of cocoa powder atop the whipped cream will create a chic finishing touch that tempts the eyes as much as the taste buds.
Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful pairings that ensure everyone enjoys every last bite!
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Variations
Feel free to make this delightful dessert your own by trying out these tasty twists and substitutions!
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and extra flavor in every bite. The combination of soft cake and crunchy nuts is heavenly!
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Choco-Lovers Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that complements the bananas beautifully. Melted chocolate creates that extra indulgent moment in each slice.
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Fruit Fusion: Replace bananas with 1 cup of applesauce or pear puree for a fruity alternative that still delivers moistness and sweetness. The cake will have a subtly different taste—delightfully unique!
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Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a dairy-free and egg-free option. You won’t sacrifice taste while catering to dietary needs.
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Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream in the toffee sauce with coconut cream for a tropical twist. It adds a rich and creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free!
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Spice It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic spice boost that pairs wonderfully with the bananas. Your home will smell amazing as it bakes!
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Zesty Kick: Add the zest of one lime or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully. It will surprise and delight your taste buds.
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Heat It Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder for a surprising kick that kicks the sweetness up a notch. A little heat can transform this dessert into an adventurous treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cakes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a comforting dessert without the hassle! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately. Simply refrigerate the wet mixture (bananas included) and the dry ingredients in airtight containers. When you’re ready to bake, combine them and proceed with pouring the batter into the prepared baking dish. To maintain quality, avoid overmixing and keep the batter refrigerated until just before baking, which helps preserve the cake’s moisture. Finish by baking for 45-55 minutes and soaking with that luscious toffee sauce for a heartwarming treat that’s just as delicious on day two!
Storage Tips for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
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Room Temperature: Store leftover Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture.
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Fridge: If keeping for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Ensure it’s wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing for easy serving, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
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Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds. If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes.
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best bananas for my Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
Absolutely, you’ll want to use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. These bananas provide the maximum sweetness and moisture needed for the cake. If your bananas are still green or only lightly speckled, they won’t deliver the same luscious flavor.
What’s the best way to store Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
For short-term storage, keep your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring it’s wrapped well to prevent dryness.
Can I freeze Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
Yes, you can! For maximum freshness, slice the cake before freezing it, and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as I suggest in the storage section.
What should I do if my cake is too dry after baking?
If you find your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a bit dry, it’s likely that it was overbaked. In the future, start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time is up. You can also serve it warm with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture back in!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe offers a gluten-free option by using gluten-free flour, and for dairy-free diets, you can substitute with vegan butter and coconut cream in the toffee sauce. If you’re concerned about allergies, be aware that this cake contains eggs and may not be suitable for those with egg allergies. Always check the labels on all substitutes and ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I make alterations to the ingredients?
Yes, you can get creative! If you don’t have certain ingredients, you can use applesauce instead of eggs or flax eggs for a vegan alternative. Additionally, feel free to switch out the maple syrup for honey or agave syrup, depending on what you have handy! The more the merrier when it comes to adaptations!
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake with Toffee Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 or 9x11-inch baking dish.
- Cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth.
- Whisk together the gluten-free or all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Poke holes in the top of the baked cake and pour the warm toffee sauce all over it. Let it soak for at least an hour before slicing.