Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that everyone will adore. This recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the rich flavor of maple syrup, all topped with a luscious homemade toffee sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this cake promises to be a heartwarming treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of bananas and maple syrup creates a sweet, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
- Decadent Toffee Sauce: The homemade toffee sauce adds a rich layer of flavor, making every bite memorable.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even beginner bakers to create a stunning dessert.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or cold, with or without extra sauce—it’s delicious any way you enjoy it!
- Great for Sharing: With generous servings, it’s perfect for potlucks or gatherings where you want to impress.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9x9x3” or 9x11x3”)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Baking dish: A quality baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking during baking.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air into your mixture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls for maximum ingredient use.

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
- 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 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 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: Using a larger baking dish will affect the bake time, so always check the cake for 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, vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate 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. The cake should not jiggle; it will be dense and very moist.
Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the cake is baking, 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 well combined and smooth. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract; cook an additional 5 minutes without boiling. The sauce should be silky smooth. Remove from heat and pour into a glass container to cool.
Step 7: Add Toffee Sauce to Cake
Once the cake is done and slightly cooled, poke holes all over its top using a toothpick. Pour cooled toffee sauce evenly over the cake; allow soaking in for at least one hour.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your cake and serve with extra toffee sauce if desired. Enjoy this rich, moist treat!
How to Serve Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that melts beautifully over the warm cake, adding a creamy contrast.
- Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical twist, coconut ice cream complements the banana flavor wonderfully.
Drizzle Extra Toffee Sauce
- Warm Toffee Sauce: Heat some of the leftover toffee sauce and drizzle it over each slice for an indulgent touch.
- Caramel Sauce: For added sweetness, consider drizzling caramel sauce alongside the toffee sauce.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Bananas: Fresh bananas on top enhance flavor and add freshness.
- Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: A hot cup of coffee balances the richness of the pudding cake perfectly.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can complement the dessert without overpowering its flavors.
How to Perfect Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
To ensure your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pudding cake will be. Look for spots on the peel!
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or fluff up your flour before spooning it into your measuring cup to prevent dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. This prevents overbaking.
- Cool Before Adding Sauce: Allow your cake to cool slightly before pouring on toffee sauce so it can soak in properly without becoming too soggy.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for best flavor retention.
Best Side Dishes for Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these delicious options:
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely texture without overwhelming flavors.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the pudding cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce can create an exciting flavor combination with banana and caramel notes.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a light side that complements dessert well.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy and healthy option offers an interesting texture while being subtly sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Not Checking Doneness: Relying solely on time may not work. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if your cake is done.
- Skipping the Toffee Sauce: This sauce adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for that sticky goodness!
- Using Overripe Bananas: While you want ripe bananas, overly mushy ones can impact texture. Aim for bananas that are ripe but still firm.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake.
What makes this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake sticky?
The sticky texture comes from the rich toffee sauce poured over the cake after baking, allowing it to soak in.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with fruits like apples or pears, but bananas are recommended for their natural sweetness and moisture.
How do I know when my Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean and the cake doesn’t jiggle, it’s ready!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk for a vegan version.
Final Thoughts
The Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress friends and family!

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake
Sticky Banana Bread Pudding Cake is a heartwarming dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich maple syrup. Topped with a luscious homemade toffee sauce, this cake is perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights. Whether served warm or cold, it promises to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests with its decadent flavor and delightful texture. Easy to make, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up even if you’re a beginner baker.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 tbsp butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a deep baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream together sugars and butter until fluffy; add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, maple syrup, and bananas.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 45-55 minutes; check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter with brown sugar, then adding heavy cream and vanilla; cook until smooth.
- Once baked, poke holes in the cake and pour the cooled sauce on top; let soak before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg