Holiday Maple Banana Cake with a Caramel Twist

Looking for a dessert to wow your guests? This maple banana cake with caramelized bananas is the perfect blend of sweetness and elegance.

What You Need:

For the Cake:

Butter (125g, softened)
Brown sugar (200g)
Eggs (2 large)
Mashed bananas (2 ripe)
Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Self-raising flour (250g)
Baking soda (1/2 tsp)
Maple syrup (125ml)
Buttermilk (125ml)
For the Topping:

Firm bananas (3, halved lengthwise)
Butter (75g)
Brown sugar (150g)
Maple syrup (60ml)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 22cm round cake pan.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, alternating with the maple syrup and buttermilk, until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

4. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Make the Caramelized Bananas:

In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly. Add the banana halves, turning gently to coat them in the caramel. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bananas are lightly caramelized.