Craving a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of bananas foster with the irresistible charm of a poke cake? Look no further than this tantalizing bananas foster poke cake recipe. A delightful twist on a classic favorite, this dessert is a surefire way to impress your guests at any gathering.
Indulge in the luscious blend of caramelized bananas, buttery rum sauce, and moist cake layers that make this recipe a standout crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this bananas foster poke cake is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
Get ready to elevate your baking game with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises a symphony of flavors in every bite. Stay tuned for the step-by-step instructions to create this show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients
In crafting this delectable bananas foster poke cake, we need to gather the essential ingredients to achieve its mouthwatering flavors. Below, you will find the breakdown of the components required to create this irresistible dessert.
Cake Ingredients
For the decadent cake base:
- 1 15.25-ounce box of butter golden cake mix or yellow cake mix
- Ingredients needed to make the cake (butter, eggs, water, or oil for yellow cake mix)
- 1/2 ounce jar of caramel sauce
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 3/4 ounce package of instant banana cream pudding
- 1 cup cold milk
- 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip, thawed
- 8-10 Biscoff cookies, crushed
- Additional caramel sauce for garnish
Bananas Foster Sauce Ingredients
To infuse that iconic bananas foster flavor:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Crushed Biscoff cookies or cinnamon graham crackers for topping
Required Tools and Equipment
To successfully create this delectable Bananas Foster Poke Cake, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.
Tools:
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This is essential for baking the cake to the perfect size and shape.
- Chopstick (or similar tool for poking holes): To create holes in the cake for the delicious dulce de leche mixture.
- Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: For spreading the dulce de leche mixture evenly over the cake.
- Small Sauce Pot: To heat the rum and whisk in the dulce de leche for the flavorful sauce.
- Whisk: For ensuring the dulce de leche mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing various components of the cake and sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure all the ingredients.
- Sifter: If using flour, to aerate and sift it before incorporating into the recipe.
- Whisk: For mixing the pudding and milk for the cake.
- Preparation: Ensure all tools are clean and dry before starting the baking process.
- Sifting Flour: If using all-purpose flour or cornstarch, remember to sift it before measuring to ensure proper aeration.
- Rum Choice: Opt for a dark spiced rum for a rich flavor, or choose a rum extract if preferred.
- Substitute for Biscoff Cookies: If Biscoff cookies are unavailable, you can use crushed cinnamon graham crackers as a substitute.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cake
- Combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into a prepared 9×13 baking dish and bake according to the directions on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool for about ten minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Making the Bananas Foster Sauce
- In a small sauce pot, heat the dark rum over medium heat.
- Whisk in the dulce de leche until smooth and hot. Keep the mixture warm.
- After the cake has cooled for ten minutes, poke several holes over the entire cake using a chopstick or similar tool.
- Pour the warm dulce de leche mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
- While the cake is still warm, poke holes over the entire surface to allow the sauce to soak in.
- Whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and milk until well combined.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the top evenly.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
Assembling the Cake
To assemble this indulgent Bananas Foster poke cake, follow these straightforward steps to create a dessert that will impress your guests.
Adding the Fillings
- Once the cake is cooled and ready, using the wider end of a chopstick, poke several holes across the cake’s surface.
- Carefully pour the luscious dulce de leche and rum sauce over the cake, ensuring the mixture seeps into the holes.
- Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the sauce evenly, covering the entire cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely to let the flavors meld, creating a decadent fusion of caramelized bananas and rum essence.
- Crush some Biscoff cookies and sprinkle them generously over the cake for added texture and a hint of cinnamon flavor.
- If Biscoff cookies are unavailable, you can use crushed cinnamon graham crackers as an alternative.
- For an extra touch of authenticity to the Bananas Foster experience, consider adding a splash of rum or rum extract to the caramel sauce.
- Finish off the cake with a dollop of Cool Whip whipped topping for a creamy and delightful topping that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
Baking and Cooling
Baking the Cake
To bake the bananas foster poke cake, start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix until the batter is smooth and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Bake the cake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Setting
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using a chopstick or a similar tool, poke holes all over the cake. Next, prepare the bananas foster sauce with dark rum and dulce de leche. Pour the warm sauce over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Spread the sauce evenly using an offset spatula and let the cake cool completely. Refrigerate the cake to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Tips
For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing your bananas foster poke cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also top it with fresh banana slices or toasted pecans for a visually appealing finish.
Accompaniments
To complement the rich flavors of the bananas foster poke cake, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle additional warm dulce de leche sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy this decadent dessert alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigeration Guidelines
Once the bananas foster poke cake is prepared, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover the cake securely to maintain its moisture and flavors.
Tips for Advance Preparation
For a stress-free baking experience, consider preparing the cake in advance. You can make the cake layers a day ahead and store them, tightly wrapped, at room temperature. Additionally, the bananas foster sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to assemble the cake quickly when ready to serve, saving time and effort while ensuring a fresh and delicious dessert.
Conclusion
This tantalizing bananas foster poke cake recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will impress your taste buds. Elevate your baking skills with this easy-to-follow recipe, featuring caramelized bananas, buttery rum sauce, and moist cake layers. From preparation to presentation, this dessert is a showstopper. Don’t forget to experiment with accompaniments like cinnamon, whipped cream, and warm dulce de leche sauce for that extra touch of indulgence. With storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy this delectable treat anytime. Embrace the sweetness and richness of bananas foster poke cake – a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
