Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of a homemade toffee sauce. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a comforting treat. With its moist texture and indulgent flavors, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: The steps are simple, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of bananas and toffee sauce creates a rich taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: With generous servings, this cake is ideal for parties or family dinners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with extra toffee sauce or cold as a delicious leftover treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily adapt this recipe using gluten-free flour without compromising on taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, gather your tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9x9x3” or 9x11x3”)
- Toothpick
- Medium stock pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air into the mixture.
- Toothpick: A handy tool for checking if your cake is baked through.

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 Base:
- 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 alcohol-free 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 alcohol-free 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 may affect bake time, so always check doneness with a toothpick.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, alcohol-free vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, 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; it should come out clean.
Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce in a medium stock pot over medium-low heat. Melt together butter and brown sugar while stirring frequently. Cook for about 10 minutes until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and alcohol-free vanilla extract; cook for an additional 5 minutes without boiling. Remove from heat and let cool in a glass container.
Step 7: Add Toffee Sauce to Cake
Once baked and slightly cooled, poke holes all over the top of the cake using a toothpick. Pour cooled toffee sauce evenly over it. Let soak in for at least one hour.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into pieces and 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 can turn a delightful dessert into an unforgettable experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this rich treat.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a creamy contrast.
With Fresh Fruit
- Garnish with sliced bananas, strawberries, or berries to add freshness and color to your dessert plate.
Drizzled with Toffee Sauce
- Pour extra toffee sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch that enhances the cake’s flavor.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness and a fluffy texture that complements the dense cake.
Nuts for Crunch
- Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top for added crunch and flavor contrast with the moist cake.
How to Perfect Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Perfecting your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake ensures a delicious outcome every time. Here are some helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be in the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Let It Soak: Allowing the toffee sauce to soak into the cake for at least an hour enhances its moisture and flavor.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm, making it even more comforting and delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that complements the richness of the pudding.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option that adds a tropical twist while enhancing flavors.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this over fruit or ice cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Chopped Nuts: Serve alongside as a crunchy garnish that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, this adds a decadent touch when drizzled over individual servings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few mistakes when making Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using Overripe Bananas: While you want your bananas to be ripe, overly brown bananas can lead to an off flavor. Use bananas that are spotty but still firm for the best taste.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.
- Skipping the Toffee Sauce: The toffee sauce is essential for flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; it makes the cake truly sticky and delicious.
- Not Letting the Cake Soak: Allowing the cake to soak in the toffee sauce is crucial for flavor infusion. Be patient and let it soak for at least an hour before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Ensure the cake has cooled completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds, checking doneness regularly.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert made from ripe bananas, layered with a rich toffee sauce that soaks into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour without affecting the overall texture or taste of Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean and there’s no jiggle, your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is ready!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is not only rich and comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it with nuts or chocolate chips according to your preference. Be sure to give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite dessert!
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Indulge in the delightful Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, a warm and comforting dessert that perfectly marries the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious homemade toffee sauce. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or casual evenings at home. Its rich flavors and moist texture will leave everyone at the table craving more. Serve it warm or cold, drizzled with extra toffee sauce or topped with fresh fruit for a memorable dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until fluffy. Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 45-55 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick.
- For the toffee sauce, melt butter and brown sugar in a pot over medium-low heat; stir in heavy cream and cook until smooth.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour over cooled toffee sauce; let soak for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg