As a devoted food blogger with a penchant for all things bananas foster, I couldn’t resist adding a delightful twist to the classic upside-down cake – introducing the irresistible bananas foster cake recipe. This mouthwatering creation features a luscious combination of rum, brown sugar, cinnamon, and of course, the star of the show, bananas.
The bananas foster cake is a true showstopper, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a decadent dessert. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional bananas foster flavor or looking to explore a new culinary delight, this cake is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Join me on a culinary adventure as we dive into the world of bananas foster desserts, starting with this delectable upside-down cake that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients
- 1 15.25-ounce box butter golden cake mix or yellow cake mix
- Ingredients needed to make cake: butter, eggs, and water (use oil instead of butter if using yellow cake mix)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 3.4-ounce package instant banana cream pudding
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 8-10 Biscoff cookies, crushed
- Additional caramel sauce for garnish
Bananas Foster Ingredients
- Rum extract (optional)
- Cinnamon graham crackers (if Biscoff cookies are not available)
- Same as cake ingredients, as the frosting is a pecan praline icing which utilizes some of the cake ingredients
Necessary Equipment
For this delicious bananas foster cake recipe, you’ll need the following essential equipment to ensure a smooth baking process:
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper circles for lining the cake pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer for creaming the butter and sugar
- Medium mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients
- Skillet for preparing the bananas foster topping
- Cooling rack for cooling the cakes
- Toothpick for checking cake doneness
- Spatula for spreading the banana cream pudding
- Oven for baking the cakes
Having these tools ready will make the preparation of the bananas foster cake much more manageable and enjoyable.
Prep Work
Before diving into the baking process, let’s get ready by preparing the key components of this delightful bananas foster cake recipe. This entails creating the luscious bananas foster sauce and whipping up the cake batter to ensure a successful baking outcome.
Preparing Bananas Foster Sauce
To kickstart the creation of this scrumptious cake, begin by crafting the delectable bananas foster sauce. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add in brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Preparing Cake Batter
Moving on to the cake batter, it’s essential to follow a precise sequence. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture of flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon, alternating with buttermilk. Continue mixing until a smooth batter forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Directions
Baking the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease the sides of three 9-inch round cake pans while lining the bottoms with parchment circles.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, for about 2 minutes.
- Add egg whites and vanilla to the butter mixture, beating on medium speed for about 1 minute.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add about 1/3 of the flour mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Alternate additions of the buttermilk and the remaining dry ingredients, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Conclude with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
- Allow the cakes to cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Assembling the Layers
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and heavy cream until the sugar is dissolved.
- Beat 1 1/2 cups of butter with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until creamy for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, rum, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium, add 1 tablespoon of cream, and beat until fluffy and spreadable for 1-2 minutes. If needed, add additional cream gradually.
- Spread the frosting between the cake layers and cover the top and sides of the cake. Optionally, pipe stars around the top edge of the cake and place a banana slice on each star for decoration.
Flambé Technique
Flambéing is a classic culinary technique that involves lighting a dish with alcohol briefly. It’s a spectacular way to create a show-stopping dessert like Bananas Foster Cake.
Safety Tips
- Keep a lid nearby to smother any unexpected flare-ups.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid excessive alcohol fumes.
- Stand back while igniting the alcohol to prevent burns.
- Place butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a large pan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in banana liqueur and add banana slices until slightly softened and browned.
- Add rum and continue cooking until hot.
- Optionally, ignite the rum for a dramatic flambé. Stand back and be cautious when lighting the pan.
- The flames will extinguish on their own as the alcohol burns off, leaving behind a rich, flavorful sauce for your Bananas Foster Cake.
Decorating Your Bananas Foster Cake
To beautifully decorate your Bananas Foster Cake, follow these simple steps to elevate its presentation:
- Apply a Generous Layer of Caramel Spice Rum Buttercream: Spread a generous amount of the luscious caramel spice rum buttercream between each cake layer. This decadent buttercream not only adds moisture but also infuses the cake with rich flavors that complement the bananas and rum undertones perfectly.
- Create a Beautiful Crumb Coat: Before frosting the entire cake, apply a thin layer of the caramel spice rum buttercream around the cake’s edges. This crumb coat locks in any loose crumbs and provides a smooth base for the final frosting layer.
- Frost the Top and Sides: Once the crumb coat has set, generously frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining caramel spice rum buttercream. Use a spatula to create smooth and even layers, ensuring that every inch of the cake is beautifully covered.
- Add Decorative Swirls or Patterns: Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to add swirls, stars, or any other patterns to the cake’s surface. These decorative touches not only enhance the cake’s appearance but also add a professional finish to your creation.
- Garnish with Banana Slices and Pecan Praline Icing: For a final touch of elegance, garnish the top of the cake with thinly sliced bananas and a sprinkle of pecan praline icing. These toppings not only add visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to each slice.
By following these decorating steps, you can transform your Bananas Foster Cake into a stunning centerpiece that is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.
Make-Ahead Tips
When preparing a Bananas Foster Cake, I find it helpful to utilize some make-ahead tips to streamline the process and ensure a stress-free baking experience. Here are some steps you can take in advance to make the final assembly a breeze:
- Bananas Foster Sauce: You can make the Bananas Foster sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more robust taste. When you are ready to assemble the cake, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Cake Layers: Bake the cake layers a day or two before you plan to serve the cake. Once the layers are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Chilling the cake layers can make them easier to handle and reduces the likelihood of crumbs when frosting.
- Buttercream Frosting: The buttercream frosting can also be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using. You may need to re-whip the frosting to restore its creamy consistency.
- Decorative Garnishes: Prepare any decorative garnishes, such as banana slices, pecan praline icing, or caramel drizzle, ahead of time. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you are ready to adorn the cake. This saves time during the final assembly and ensures a visually appealing presentation.
By incorporating these make-ahead tips into your Bananas Foster Cake preparation, you can ease the workload and focus on enjoying the delightful flavors of this decadent dessert without feeling rushed.
Storing and Serving
Best Practices for Storage
To preserve the freshness and flavor of the Bananas Foster Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight for a convenient treat anytime.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful serving experience, enjoy the Bananas Foster Cake slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. The rich and decadent flavors of rum, caramel, and pecans in the cake pair perfectly with the creamy texture of whipped cream or the cold sweetness of ice cream. Impress your guests by garnishing each slice with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of pecans for a visually appealing and irresistibly delicious dessert presentation.
Conclusion
With its decadent blend of flavors and indulgent presentation, this bananas foster cake recipe is sure to impress both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts alike. The combination of rum-infused bananas, rich brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon creates a symphony of taste that is both comforting and sophisticated. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can recreate this show-stopping dessert in your own kitchen and elevate any occasion with a touch of culinary flair. Whether enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled with a scoop of ice cream, this bananas foster cake is a versatile treat that is bound to become a favorite among your family and friends. So why wait? Get baking and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence today.