Name: Irresistibly Moist Banana Bread Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour); 1 tbsp Baking Powder; 1 tbsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp Kosher Salt; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 0.5 cups Butter (Salted or Unsalted); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar; 0.5 cups Brown Sugar; 2 medium Mashed Bananas (overripe); 0.25 cups Maple Syrup; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 2 large Eggs; 0.5 cups Buttermilk; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 0.5 cups Butter (Salted for more flavor); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

There’s a distinctly satisfying aroma wafting through the house, mingling cinnamon and sweet bananas, creating a cozy atmosphere that whispers “home.” Today, I’m thrilled to share my Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake with Toffee Sauce—a dessert that not only captivates the senses but is a sheer delight to prepare. This cake is an ideal crowd-pleaser, perfect for those family gatherings or spontaneous visits from friends. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. The magic lies in how it transforms over time; it becomes even more delicious after a day, allowing those rich flavors to meld together beautifully. Are you ready to transform your overripe bananas into something extraordinary? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!

Why is Banana Bread Pudding Cake a Must-Try?

Irresistible flavor: This Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake combines the delightful taste of ripe bananas with a luscious toffee sauce, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is impressive.
Adaptable to your needs: Whether you’re accommodating dietary preferences or using what’s on hand, feel free to swap ingredients—gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream works wonderfully!
Crowd-Pleasing delight: With a moist texture that appeals to all ages, this cake is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, sure to be a hit!
Easy to make: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can shine in the kitchen, making it a perfect recipe for busy lives.
Flavorful leftovers: The cake gets even better the next day—perfect for those who enjoy a tasty treat while reducing food waste. You’ll also want to check out my Banana Bread Cookies for another delicious way to use overripe bananas!

Banana Bread Pudding Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour) – This creates the cake’s structure; swap for gluten-free flour for a safe option.
Baking Powder – Ensures a light and fluffy texture; always use fresh for best results.
Baking Soda – Pairs with baking powder for optimal leavening.
Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; sea salt works well too.
Ground Cinnamon – Brings warmth and depth; nutmeg can be a delightful alternative.
Butter (Salted or Unsalted) – Adds richness and moisture; if salt-free, include a pinch of salt.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Sweetens and retains moisture in the cake; adjust based on your taste preferences.
Mashed Bananas – The star flavor; approximately two ripe bananas are ideal. Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness.
Maple Syrup – Adds a naturally sweet touch; honey is a great substitute.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor; vanilla paste can act as a substitute in a pinch.
Eggs – Binds ingredients and contributes moisture; for a vegan take, replace with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
Buttermilk – Provides a tender crumb; regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice works well if needed.
Heavy Cream – Gives the toffee sauce its luxurious richness; coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free option.
For the Toffee Sauce
Butter – The base for your sauce, ensuring creaminess; use salted for more flavor.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; light or dark works depending on your preference.
Heavy Cream – Creates a velvety texture; substitute with coconut cream if needed.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses flavor into the sauce; no exact substitutes but can explore vanilla paste.

Embrace your culinary creativity with this adaptable Banana Bread Pudding Cake recipe, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare a deep baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake releases easily after baking, making for a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a fragrant base for your cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, ensuring a beautifully risen Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake with a delightful flavor throughout.

Step 4: Combine & Mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a spatula to fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help maintain the cake’s tender texture. You should see a thick batter forming, infused with the sweet aromas of banana and cinnamon.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, indicating your Banana Bread Pudding Cake is ready.

Step 6: Prepare Toffee Sauce
While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter and brown sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuously stirring until smooth. Allow this rich sauce to cool slightly, enhancing its thick, sticky texture for drizzling later.

Step 7: Soak the Cake
Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, use a skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Pour the cooled toffee sauce generously over the cake, allowing it to soak in for at least 1 hour. This step ensures every bite of your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is infused with the decadent flavors of toffee.

Step 8: Serve
When ready to serve, slice the cake into squares, ensuring to capture the luscious sauce in each piece. If desired, drizzle additional toffee sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream, transforming your gathering into a truly heartwarming experience.

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Monitor Baking: Check the cake around the 45-minute mark. Ovens can vary in temperature, and overbaking can dry it out.
Prep Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor, as they provide natural sweetness that elevates your Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture in your cake—this is key for moistness!
Chill Before Serving: Let the cake soak in the toffee sauce for at least an hour. This step enhances the flavor and makes for a deliciously sticky finish.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to retain moisture and flavor—reheat gently before serving!

Storage Tips for Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Fridge: Store your Banana Bread Pudding Cake in an airtight container for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cake (without the toffee sauce) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.
Reheating: To revive the moisture after storage, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
Soaking Option: If desired, soak the slices in a bit of warm toffee sauce for added flavor before reheating. This makes for a delightful treat!

What to Serve with Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake

Indulging in this delightful dessert brings warmth and comfort to your table, making every meal feel special.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the warm, sticky cake perfectly, creating a heavenly combination every bite.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and an airy contrast to the dense cake, enhancing its richness.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tart flavors from strawberries or raspberries offer a refreshing zing that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the pudding cake.
Cinnamon-spiced Coffee: A warm mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee elevates your dessert experience, harmonizing the warm spices in the cake.
Warm Caramel Sauce: Drizzled over the cake, rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a luscious texture.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkling nuts over the top introduces a delightful crunch, enhancing the moist cake with a welcomed contrast in texture.
Mint Tea: Gentle, herbal notes of mint tea create a refreshing finish after the sugary sweetness of the dessert, making it a perfect palate cleanser.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Pairing with these chewy treats makes for a cozy, nostalgic dessert table, evoking fond memories of childhood.

Make Ahead Options

These Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake creations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combining them just before baking to maintain freshness. Additionally, the toffee sauce can be made a day ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and gently reheated before drizzling over the cake. When ready to indulge, pour the cooled sauce over the freshly baked cake and let it soak for at least one hour before serving. Preparing these components ahead means you’ll have a comforting dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort, just as delicious as when freshly made!

Banana Bread Pudding Cake Variations

Feel free to personalize your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake with these delightful twists that will have your family asking for more!

Nuts Added: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch throughout your cake. The added texture beautifully complements the softness of the pudding.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap buttermilk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream for the toffee sauce. This simple switch opens up the recipe to everyone!
Spice it Up: Substitute ground cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor profile. These warm spices will add a comforting touch to every bite.
Sweet Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like chocolate ganache or caramel for a new dessert experience. Each sauce brings a different sweetness that can make your cake feel fresh and exciting.
Fruit Add-In: Fold in fresh blueberries or chopped apples for an added burst of flavor. This sprinkle of fruity goodness will make each slice an adventure in taste.
Extract Exchange: Try almond or rum extract in place of vanilla for a deliciously distinct flavor twist. Each variation brings its own charm to the cake and adds depth.
Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake accessible to everyone. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 blend for optimal results.
Toffee Sauce Alternatives: If toffee isn’t your favorite, drizzle the cake with a homemade caramel or even a rich chocolate sauce! These can add luxurious sweetness and a new layer of flavor.

Let your imagination run wild with these variations! And don’t forget, if you love banana recipes like this, you should check out my Quinoa Banana Bread and Brown Butter Banana for more delicious ideas!

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, you want to use overripe bananas. Look for bananas that are brown or have lots of dark spots—these will offer the maximum sweetness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can let your bananas sit at room temperature for a day or two to ripen more quickly.

How should I store leftovers?
Very! Store your Banana Bread Pudding Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the cake fresh and preserves its moistness, which is essential for this rich dessert. Remember to reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat!

Can I freeze Banana Bread Pudding Cake?
Of course! To freeze your Banana Bread Pudding Cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can revive its moistness by drizzling a little extra toffee sauce over it when reheating!

What if my cake comes out too dense?
No worries! If your Banana Bread Pudding Cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix gently and stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Additionally, ensure your leavening agents—baking powder and baking soda—are fresh, as expired ones won’t give the cake a proper lift. If you’re using gluten-free flour, it can sometimes lead to denser batters as well.

Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re baking for others, especially kids or those with allergies, make sure to check for common allergens in your ingredients. This recipe can easily be adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free diets by substituting gluten-free flour and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. If you’re using eggs, consider flaxseed meal or applesauce as a vegan alternative!