Name: Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 2 cup 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; ¾ cup buttermilk; 8 tbsp butter; ¾ cup brown sugar (packed); ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Introduction to Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

When it comes to comfort desserts, few options can rival the delightful experience of enjoying a sticky banana bread pudding cake. Imagine biting into a warm, moist cake that’s packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, complemented by a rich, decadent homemade toffee sauce. This dessert is more than just a treat; it’s a cozy hug in cake form, designed to bring people together around the table.

Why is this dessert the ultimate comfort food? For starters, it utilizes simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making it accessible and easy to whip up. Moreover, its delightful texture—a soft, cake-like pudding enveloped in a gooey toffee sauce—creates that perfect blend of flavors and sensations. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a satisfying weeknight dessert, sticky banana bread pudding cake fits the bill.

Curious about how to make this scrumptious dish? In just a little over two hours, you’ll have a cake that serves 14 people and will leave everyone asking for more. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started! If you’re keen to learn more about baking basics, check out resources from Serious Eats or King Arthur Baking.

Ingredients for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Essential Ingredients for the Cake

Creating a delightful sticky banana bread pudding cake starts with the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

2 cups gluten-free or all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 ripe bananas)
⅓ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk

Each of these ingredients combines to make that rich and comforting flavor we love in banana bread pudding.

Ingredients for the Toffee Sauce

No sticky banana bread pudding cake is complete without a drizzle of toffee sauce! Here’s what you’ll need for that:

8 tablespoons butter
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This heavenly sauce will elevate your cake to a whole new level of indulgence. If you’re in need of tips on choosing the best ingredients, check out this helpful guide on sweeteners to make sure you pick the perfect ones for your baking adventure! Enjoy the process, and watch as your kitchen fills with wonderful aromas!

Preparing Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Making the ultimate sticky banana bread pudding cake is a delightful journey that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. From the comforting aroma filling your kitchen to that first velvety bite drizzled with toffee sauce, this recipe is a cozy masterpiece perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in. Let’s dive into the steps of preparing this scrumptious dessert!

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9x9x3” or 9x11x3” deep baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick baking spray. This step is crucial—nobody wants their beloved cake to stick! If you’re using a larger dish, just keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, and a toothpick can help you check for doneness.

Cream the sugars and butter

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine the star players: granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Use a mixer to cream them together for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is the base of your cake, and taking the time to get it right makes a big difference!

Mix the wet ingredients

Now, mix in the good stuff! Add in eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas). Stir everything until well combined. You should have a wonderfully fragrant and creamy mixture that feels like a warm hug.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cake an even rise and fantastic flavor throughout.

Fold everything together and transfer to the baking dish

Now comes the fun part: gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so embrace that homemade charm! Once blended, transfer your sticky banana bread pudding cake batter into the prepared baking dish.

Bake the cake

Slide your baking dish into the oven and let it work its magic for about 55 minutes. As it bakes, enjoy the warm, sweet scents wafting through your home. You'll know it's done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.

Make the toffee sauce

While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up the delicious toffee sauce! Combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it reaches a lovely simmer. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly sticky.

Drizzle sauce over the cake

Finally, once your cake has cooled slightly, drizzle that toffee sauce generously over the top. The combination of warm cake and warm toffee sauce is simply divine. Slice, serve, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds!

With this guide, you're well on your way to creating a sticky banana bread pudding cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process—you’re going to love the results! For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out this guide on sweet treats.

Variations on Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Adding nuts or chocolate chips

To elevate your sticky banana bread pudding cake, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and contrasting flavor, while chocolate chips bring an indulgent sweetness. Simply mix in ½ to 1 cup of your preferred nuts or chips during the wet ingredients step. Not only do these additions enhance texture, but they also provide a personalized touch to your dessert.

A vegan-friendly twist

For a vegan-friendly version, swap the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water per egg). Use coconut or almond milk to replace buttermilk, and opt for coconut oil instead of butter. You’ll still get that delicious sticky banana bread pudding cake experience while accommodating dietary preferences. This twist lets everyone enjoy your cozy dessert!

Explore more about vegan baking techniques on resources like Forks Over Knives, which is dedicated to plant-based cooking.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Best practices for ripe bananas

When it comes to making a sticky banana bread pudding cake, the riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots—they’ll have the sweetest flavor and softest texture. If you have hard bananas, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple. This traps ethylene gas and encourages ripening.

Tips for achieving the perfect texture

For a moist and decadent pudding cake, make sure to mash your bananas thoroughly before adding them to the batter. Mixing in the wet ingredients gradually ensures a smooth consistency, reducing the chance of lumps. Also, let your cake soak well before baking; this enhances the flavors and provides that wonderful, gooey texture that everyone loves in a sticky banana bread pudding cake. Happy baking!

Serving suggestions for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Pairing options with ice cream or whipped cream

Elevate your sticky banana bread pudding cake by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess balances the rich toffee sauce beautifully. For a twist, consider caramel or even coconut ice cream! Add sliced bananas or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra texture; a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavors.

Serving it warm vs cold

Serving your sticky banana bread pudding cake warm is a treat that truly brings out the flavors. The toffee sauce will be gooey and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings. However, if you prefer a cool dessert, letting it chill in the fridge gives a different texture—think of a rich pudding cake delight! Both options are delicious, so why not try each and discover which one you love more?

Time Breakdown for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Preparation Time

Starting with just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll mix together the ingredients that will set the foundation for your sticky banana bread pudding cake. It’s a quick and easy process, so you'll have more time to enjoy the sweet reward!

Cooking Time

You’ll spend about 55 minutes letting this cake bake to perfection. The enticing aroma will have everyone gravitating toward the kitchen, eagerly awaiting that first bite of this delicious dessert.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at 135 minutes for this entire culinary adventure! This includes soaking time, giving the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. It’s the perfect amount of time to unwind while whipping up a dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Now, who’s ready to dive into some indulgent sticky banana bread pudding cake? It’s a delightful way to treat yourself and loved ones! If you're interested in the science of baking, check out resources from King Arthur Baking for more insights.

Nutritional Facts for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

When indulging in a slice of sticky banana bread pudding cake, knowing the nutritional value can help you enjoy it guilt-free. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Calories

Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a delightful yet manageable treat perfect for an evening dessert or special occasion.

Protein

This comforting cake offers about 4 grams of protein per slice. Incorporating eggs and buttermilk helps contribute to this moderate protein content.

Sodium

With around 180 milligrams of sodium per serving, this dessert is reasonably low in salt, allowing you to savor the sweetness without worrying about your sodium intake.

For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of using ripe bananas in your baking, check out resources like Healthline and Verywell Fit to explore more about the health impact of ingredients!

FAQ about Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using frozen bananas is a great way to reduce waste and still enjoy the deliciousness of this sticky banana bread pudding cake. Just make sure to thaw the bananas before mashing them. They'll be softer and more flavorful, which is perfect for this recipe!

How to store leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This sticky banana bread pudding cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds. You can also serve it warm with a drizzle of extra toffee sauce for a delightful treat.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don't worry! You can make a quick substitute by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà! You'll have a perfect buttermilk replacement that’ll work wonders in your sticky banana bread pudding cake. For more tips on baking, check out King Arthur Baking.

Conclusion on Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

If you're searching for a comforting dessert that delights the senses, look no further than sticky banana bread pudding cake. This delectable treat melds the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich toffee sauce, creating a cozy indulgence perfect for any gathering. Whether for a casual weeknight or a festive occasion, it's sure to please!