Sticky Toffee Banana Pudding: A Lush, Moist Twist on the British Classic

Introduction: When Banana Bread Meets Sticky Toffee

A Warm, Gooey Evolution of a British Favorite 🍌🍮

There’s comfort food… and then there’s sticky toffee banana pudding — the lovechild of classic sticky toffee pudding and banana bread. Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, traditional sticky toffee pudding is a steamed or baked sponge cake made with chopped dates and drenched in toffee sauce. Rich, warm, and unforgettably indulgent, it’s a staple at pubs, winter dinners, and Sunday roasts.

Now imagine all that sticky goodness with the added lushness of ripe mashed bananas, giving the cake a fruit-forward aroma, extra moisture, and a naturally sweet flavor that deepens the pudding’s classic richness. This banana sticky toffee cake variation has surged in popularity across the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada, thanks to its familiar banana bread-like appeal and comforting decadence.

Whether you’re searching for the ultimate cold-weather dessert, a crowd-pleasing dish for your next dinner party, or just a new way to use overripe bananas, this banana toffee pudding is your golden ticket.

Want more banana-based bakes? Try our Banana Bread Breakfast Pastry — a flaky, fruit-filled treat that’s perfect for morning indulgence.

What You’ll Need: Tools, Ingredients & Prep Tips

Essential Baking Equipment 🔧🍌

Before diving into this gooey masterpiece, gather the tools that make banana sticky toffee pudding cake a breeze:

• 8×8-inch baking dish – ideal for a dense, pudding-style cake

• Mixing bowls – at least two (wet and dry)

• Whisk or electric mixer – for combining the batter easily

• Small saucepan – for simmering the luscious toffee sauce

• Fork, masher, or blender – to purée your ripe bananas and soften dates

Optional but helpful: a fine mesh sieve to sift flour and prevent lumps.

Key Ingredients Overview 🍮🥄

The ingredients for this sticky banana pudding are familiar, but they come together in a next-level way:

• Overripe bananas – the riper, the sweeter and more aromatic

• Dates – soaked and softened, they give that signature sticky texture and caramel-like richness

• Brown sugar & butter – for deep, toffee flavor

• Flour, eggs, vanilla – standard cake staples

• Heavy cream – the base for that luxurious toffee sauce

For a deeper twist, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of dark rum to the sauce or batter.

Tips for Gooey Pudding Success 💡🔥

• Always use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness

• Soak chopped dates in hot water for at least 10 minutes to soften and blend easily

• Don’t overmix the batter — gentle folding keeps the crumb moist

• Make the toffee sauce just before serving for best consistency

Looking for a similar cozy dessert? Try our Sticky Toffee Date Muffins for a handheld version of this classic flavor combo.

Ingredient List: Simple Pantry Meets Sweet Luxury

This banana sticky toffee pudding cake combines familiar baking ingredients with rich, cozy flavors. Everything you need is easy to find — and likely already in your kitchen if you’re a banana bread fan.

🧁 For the Pudding:

• 1 cup chopped stoned dates

• 1½ sticks unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)

• 1 cup soft light brown sugar

• 2 large free-range eggs

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1⅔ cups self-raising flour

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🍯 For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¾ cup soft dark brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons golden syrup

• ⅔ cup double cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Generous pinch of sea salt

This glossy sauce is the signature finishing touch — poured over the warm cake so it soaks in and creates that signature “sticky” top layer.

Want more cozy bakes with deep flavor? Check out our Shoofly Pie Recipe — a molasses-forward dessert with a heritage twist.

Instructions: How to Make Sticky Toffee Banana Pudding

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using a fan-assisted oven). Grease 10 small pudding molds and place them on two baking sheets.

• Prepare the Dates: In a saucepan, combine the chopped dates with 1¼ cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer for about 20 minutes until the dates are soft and the liquid has reduced by half.

• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• Blend Dates: While still hot, blend the softened dates into a smooth puree. Stir in the baking soda.

• Combine Ingredients: Fold the date mixture, self-raising flour, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until smooth.

• Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared molds. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Make the Sauce: While the puddings are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add the dark brown sugar and golden syrup. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the double cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

• Serve: Once baked, allow the puddings to cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the salted caramel sauce.

Looking for another cold-weather classic? Try our French Toast Casserole — rich, cozy, and perfect for weekends.

Nutrition Score & Notes: Sweet, Satisfying & Worth Every Bite

Per Serving (Approximate for 9 Servings) 📊🍮

Each generous slice of sticky toffee banana pudding delivers comforting richness with a touch of fruity goodness. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: 420

• Total Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Sugar: 36g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 4g

With its sweet profile and indulgent toffee drizzle, this dessert falls squarely in the “special occasion treat” category — perfect for cozy evenings, holiday spreads, or Sunday suppers.

Smart Swaps for a Healthier Banana Toffee Dessert 🌱✨

Want to enjoy this banana toffee pudding with a few lighter touches? Try these simple adjustments:

• Dairy-Free Version:
  Use plant-based butter and coconut cream in place of dairy

• Lower Sugar:
  Cut brown sugar by 2–3 tablespoons and use extra-ripe bananas to compensate for sweetness

• Add Fiber:
  Swap in ½ cup whole wheat flour or oat flour to improve texture and fiber content

• Vegan-Friendly?
  Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and ensure non-dairy substitutions are used

For another better-for-you treat, check out our High-Fiber Apple Cranberry Baked Oats — a great balance of flavor and nutrition.

Serving & Storage: Keep It Warm, Cozy & Delicious

Best Ways to Serve Sticky Banana Pudding 🍨🔥

This sticky toffee banana cake is best enjoyed warm so the toffee sauce stays silky and the crumb stays soft. Serve it:

• Fresh out of the oven with warm toffee sauce

• Topped with vanilla ice cream, custard, or a dollop of whipped cream

• With an extra drizzle of reserved sauce just before plating

💡 Presentation tip: Garnish with toasted pecans, sliced banana, or a pinch of flaky sea salt for elevated flair.

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊🔁

Don’t worry if you have leftovers — this banana sticky toffee pudding cake stores and reheats like a dream.

• Refrigerate:
  Store tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Reheat:
  Microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds
  OR rewarm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil

• Freeze:
  Wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers
  Freeze for up to 2 months
  Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently

💡 Toffee sauce tip: Store sauce in a jar in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until pourable.

For more pudding-perfect storage strategies, check out this guide:
External Link: How to Freeze and Reheat Pudding Cakes

Variations and Twists: Reinventing a Classic with Flair

Flavor Additions to Elevate Every Bite 🌰🍫

The beauty of this sticky toffee banana pudding is how well it plays with other ingredients. Try these flavorful upgrades to suit the season or your mood:

• Toasted Walnuts or Pecans 🥜
  Add 1/2 cup to the batter for a nutty crunch that balances the pudding’s sweetness

• Chocolate Chips or Chunks 🍫
  Stir in 1/3 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a decadent twist — turning this into a banana caramel pudding that feels extra indulgent

• Spiced Variations 🌶️
  Add a dash of ginger, nutmeg, or clove for a warm holiday version
  Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy night in

Alternative Formats to Try 🧁🍰

Want to shake things up? This recipe works in multiple formats beyond the classic square bake:

• Sticky Toffee Banana Loaf:
  Pour batter into a loaf pan and increase baking time to 45–50 minutes. Slice and serve with warm sauce for a brunch-worthy upgrade.

• Individual Banana Sticky Toffee Puddings:
  Divide batter among greased ramekins or muffin tins. Bake for 25–28 minutes. Serve inverted with sauce drizzled on top.

• Banana Sticky Toffee Trifle:
  Cube baked pudding and layer with custard, whipped cream, and sauce in glasses for a stunning layered dessert.

💡 Hosting tip: Mini versions are perfect for dinner parties or holiday dessert tables — easy to serve and even easier to impress.

Love fusion desserts? Try our Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls — a Southern-style mash-up that’s just as warm and irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make sticky toffee banana pudding ahead of time? ⏳🍮

Absolutely! You can prepare both the banana sticky toffee pudding cake and the sauce ahead of time:

• Bake the cake and store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4

• Make the sauce and refrigerate in a sealed jar

• When ready to serve, reheat both and pour the sauce over the warmed cake

2. What bananas work best for this recipe? 🍌✅

Use overripe bananas — the kind with brown spots and a fragrant aroma. These yield better sweetness, moisture, and flavor depth for the pudding. The riper, the better!

3. Can I substitute the dates? 🍇➡️🍑

Dates are ideal because they bring sticky sweetness and a deep, caramel taste. However, you can substitute with:

• Dried figs

• Raisins

• Prunes

Just make sure to soak them first and chop finely.

4. What’s the difference between this and traditional sticky toffee pudding? 🇬🇧🆚🍌

Classic sticky toffee pudding uses only dates as its base. This version introduces mashed bananas, creating a moister crumb and a subtle banana flavor that complements the toffee perfectly — resulting in a banana sticky toffee pudding cake with a fruit-forward twist.

5. Can I make this as individual desserts? 🧁

Yes! Pour the batter into ramekins or a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 25–28 minutes. Serve inverted with warm toffee sauce for mini banana date puddings that look as good as they taste.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Dessert Awaits

Sticky, Sweet, and Soaked in Cozy Flavor 🍌🍯

If you’ve ever loved banana bread or swooned over classic sticky toffee pudding, this dessert brings the best of both worlds. Sticky toffee banana pudding is rich and comforting, with a perfectly gooey texture, deep caramel tones from dates and brown sugar, and the warmth of ripe bananas infused in every bite.

Whether served at a holiday table, a Sunday roast, or a simple family dinner, this banana toffee pudding is guaranteed to win hearts. And thanks to its flexibility — from loaf to ramekins to trifle — it’s easy to make your own.

Your Turn to Bake, Share & Enjoy 📷💬

Made your own twist on this banana sticky toffee pudding cake? Tried chocolate chips or turned it into a trifle? Tag us and share your delicious spin! We’d love to see how your pudding turned out.