Sticky Banana Bread Pudding

The Sticky Banana Bread Pudding is the perfect marriage of cozy banana bread and luxurious toffee sauce. With its dense yet moist texture, sweet banana flavor, and velvety toffee soak, it’s a dessert that brings pure comfort with every bite. It’s ideal for holidays, casual gatherings, or when you’re just in need of a warm, homemade treat. You’ll love how the toffee seeps into the cake, making every slice more flavorful the longer it rests. Pair it with coffee or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate experience.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups gluten-free or all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 8 tbsp butter (room temperature)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 6 tbsp butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep 9×9 or 9×11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, buttermilk, maple syrup, and mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. While baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring often.

8. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla and cook for another 5 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

9. Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over the top with a toothpick. Pour the toffee sauce evenly over the cake and let soak for 1 hour.

10. Slice and serve warm, with extra sauce if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 14

A Cozy Classic with a Decadent Twist: Sticky Banana Bread Pudding

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about banana bread. It reminds many of us of warm kitchens, overripe bananas finally getting their time to shine, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air. Now imagine taking that wholesome banana bread flavor and elevating it with the rich indulgence of homemade toffee sauce. That’s exactly what this Sticky Banana Bread Pudding does—it combines the best of both worlds for a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this dish strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s just as suitable for a cozy night in as it is for a holiday dessert spread. But this isn’t just any banana bread or any bread pudding—it’s a modern, gooey, flavor-packed hybrid that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

What Is Sticky Banana Bread Pudding?

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding is a fusion dessert that draws inspiration from two beloved classics: banana bread and sticky toffee pudding. The base is a soft, moist banana cake made with ripe bananas, buttermilk, maple syrup, and a blend of warm spices. Once baked, the cake is poked with holes and drenched in a silky, homemade toffee sauce made with brown sugar, butter, and cream.

As the sauce seeps into every crevice, the cake transforms into a sticky, caramel-infused delight that tastes even better the next day. Unlike traditional bread puddings that often rely on cubes of stale bread soaked in custard, this version leans toward the texture of a dense cake with a rich, pudding-like consistency after soaking.

The Origin and Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The idea for this dish comes from the popular British dessert “Sticky Toffee Pudding,” which has long been adored for its deep caramel flavor and soft sponge. The creator of this recipe, featured on The Salty Cooker, gave it an American spin by incorporating overripe bananas and transforming the base into something closer to banana bread—a staple in many households.

Combining the familiarity of banana bread with the indulgent luxury of sticky toffee pudding creates a fusion that feels both comforting and elevated. It’s an example of how traditional recipes can evolve, blending different culinary cultures into one dish that feels fresh yet rooted in something timeless.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another banana bread variation. Here are some compelling reasons why this sticky banana bread pudding deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:

1. It Uses Pantry Staples
Bananas past their prime? A few leftover eggs and some flour? This recipe makes the most of what you already have in your kitchen. There’s no need for complicated ingredients—just basic pantry and fridge items turn into something magical.

2. Perfect Texture
Moist, dense, yet fluffy in the center, the texture is what sets this cake apart. The combination of buttermilk, mashed banana, and maple syrup ensures a rich, tender crumb that soaks up the toffee sauce beautifully without falling apart.

3. The Sauce Is Everything
The homemade toffee sauce is the hero here. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas. And it’s simple to make—just butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla.

4. Gluten-Free Friendly
You can make this with gluten-free flour without sacrificing taste or texture. It’s a great way to include gluten-sensitive guests in your dessert plans without making separate dishes.

5. It Improves Over Time
Like a good stew or lasagna, this dessert tastes even better the next day. The toffee sauce continues to seep into the cake, deepening the flavor and enhancing the gooey texture.

Tips for Making the Best Sticky Banana Bread Pudding

Use Overripe Bananas
The more ripe (even borderline blackened) the bananas, the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture that really elevates the cake’s flavor.

Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake in a bad way. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the texture light and soft.

Soak Generously
Be liberal with the toffee sauce! Poking holes in the cake ensures the sauce seeps deep into the sponge, creating that signature sticky pudding consistency.

Serve Warm
This pudding is at its best when served warm. You can easily reheat slices in the microwave and drizzle on extra toffee sauce for added indulgence.

Pair With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this already decadent dessert to the next level. The contrast of hot pudding and cold creaminess is a match made in heaven.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted in many ways:

• Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of dark or milk chocolate chips mixed into the batter adds melty pockets of goodness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or even a dash of cayenne for a unique flavor twist.
• Use Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and nutty flavor.
• Swap the Sauce: While the toffee sauce is the classic choice, you can experiment with salted caramel or even a bourbon glaze for grown-up flair.

How to Store and Reheat

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping desserts or getting ahead on holiday baking.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pudding (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds. Add fresh or reserved sauce just before serving.

Ideal for Every Occasion

From birthdays to Thanksgiving to a quiet Sunday dinner, this dessert fits right in. Its rich flavor and comforting appeal make it universally loved across age groups and taste preferences. It’s also a great make-ahead option—prepare the cake the night before, add the sauce the next day, and you’re ready to go.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Each slice contains approximately 300 calories, offering a balance of carbs, fat, and protein. It can be made gluten-free, and for dairy-free versions, use alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. However, a thicker milk substitute works best to keep the texture rich and creamy.

Conclusion 

Sticky Banana Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the moment you mix the batter to that first warm, gooey bite, every step brings comfort and joy. It captures everything we love about homemade baking—familiar ingredients, simple techniques, and a stunning result.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, preparing something special for your family, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s a timeless dessert with a twist that deserves a permanent place in your recipe box.

Let the scent of banana and cinnamon fill your kitchen, pour that golden toffee sauce generously, and savor a dessert that’s truly worth the hype.