Name: Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cups (1.1 GF) gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp kosher salt; ⅔ cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp espresso powder (optional, intensifies chocolate flavor); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 8 tbsp butter (room temperature); 1 cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 bananas); ⅓ cup maple syrup; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 eggs; ¾ cup buttermilk; 8 tbsp butter; ¾ cup brown sugar (packed); ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup milk chocolate chips

If you are looking for a dessert that is pure comfort wrapped in rich chocolate and the familiar warmth of ripe bananas, you have to try this Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe. This indulgent treat takes the classic sticky toffee pudding to a whole new level by adding luscious cocoa and the natural sweetness of bananas. It’s dense yet moist, with a glossy toffee sauce melting into the cake’s every crevice, promising an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that feels like a big cozy hug in dessert form. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear square glass baking dish filled with a smooth, dark brown chocolate batter that has a glossy texture and some light swirls on the surface, sitting on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the magic of the Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays its own role in transforming humble pantry staples into a dessert that’s wonderfully complex in flavor and satisfyingly rich in texture.

Gluten-free or all-purpose flour (1 ⅔ cups): Provides the perfect base for the cake, keeping it fluffy yet sturdy.
Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (¼ tsp): These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully while giving it a tender crumb.
Kosher salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cocoa powder (⅔ cup): Infuses the cake with deep, rich chocolate notes that make this pudding cake irresistibly decadent.
Espresso powder (1 tsp, optional): Amplifies the chocolate flavor, creating a more intense, sophisticated taste.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup) and brown sugar (⅓ cup + ¾ cup for sauce): Brown sugar adds a caramel-like warmth while granulated sugar keeps the texture just right.
Butter (8 tbsp for cake + 8 tbsp for toffee sauce): The key to that melt-in-your-mouth richness and silky toffee sauce.
Mash bananas (1 cup, about 2 bananas): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle fruity flavor that complements the toffee perfectly.
Maple syrup (⅓ cup): Enhances the sticky sweetness with a lovely earthy tone.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp for cake + 1 tsp for sauce): Provides warmth and depth to both the cake and sauce.
Eggs (3): Bind all ingredients together and contribute to a soft, tender crumb.
Buttermilk (¾ cup): Adds a slight tang and helps create a moist texture that stays fresh.
Heavy cream (¾ cup): Enriches the toffee sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Milk chocolate chips (½ cup): Melted into the sauce for extra chocolate goodness and gloss.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mash the Bananas

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a deep baking dish (9×9 or 9×11 inches works great). While the oven warms up, mash your ripe bananas until smooth; this will give your cake the perfect natural sweetness and moist texture that everyone loves.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, blend the room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes with a mixer on medium speed. This step ensures your cake will have that incredible tender crumb and rich flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, buttermilk, maple syrup, and the mashed bananas. Mixing these wet ingredients together integrates all their wonderful flavors and keeps the batter moist and tender.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using). This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa, so your cake bakes up perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll risk losing the cake’s tender texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it evenly. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will smell heavenly and have that perfect cakey jiggle right when it’s done.

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Toffee Sauce

While the cake is baking, melt butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat in a stockpot. Stir continuously until smooth and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Then, slowly whisk in heavy cream and vanilla extract, cooking gently for five more minutes without boiling.

Step 8: Add Chocolate to the Sauce

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in milk chocolate chips until melted into a silky, glossy sauce. This step turns your classic toffee sauce into a luscious chocolate infusion that perfectly complements the banana cake.

Step 9: Combine Cake and Sauce

Let your cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the surface with a toothpick. Pour your cooled but still pourable chocolate toffee sauce over, letting it seep deep into the cake. This soaking process makes every bite decadently sticky.

Step 10: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the cake to absorb the sauce for at least one hour before serving. This wait time lets the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thicken slightly for the perfect sticky toffee experience.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

A thick square piece of chocolate cake with a rough, moist texture is placed in the center of a white plate. The cake has one main layer with dark brown crumb and a shiny, smooth layer of thick chocolate glaze covering the top, slightly dripping down the sides. A small drop of chocolate sauce is visible on the plate near the front edge. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of cocoa powder or a scattering of toasted chopped nuts adds a lovely textural contrast and visual appeal. You can also top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to mellow out the intense richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh berries or a light citrus salad. The bright fruit balances the deep, sugary chocolate notes and refreshes the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glass dishes so everyone can enjoy the beautiful layers of cake saturated with toffee sauce. Alternatively, drizzle extra sauce artistically over the plate and garnish with banana chips to highlight the star ingredient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The moisture from the toffee sauce actually keeps the cake incredibly tender and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (without the sauce soaked in) wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating with fresh sauce poured on top.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Adding a splash of warm cream or reheating with extra toffee sauce will bring back that glorious stickiness and gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! This Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe works beautifully with either. Just be sure to use a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend if substituting to maintain similar texture and flavor.

Is espresso powder necessary?

Not at all. The espresso powder is optional but highly recommended if you love a deeper chocolate flavor. It won’t make the cake taste like coffee, just more chocolaty.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, flax eggs for regular eggs, and non-dairy milk, you can adapt this recipe. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Brown-spotted bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the cake’s moistness and flavor.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

Using a toothpick or the tip of a skewer, gently poke holes evenly across the warm cake surface before pouring the toffee sauce. This technique helps the sauce sink deep and fully flavor every bite.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe is truly one of those crowd-pleasers that feels like a warm homemade hug. The blend of chocolate, bananas, and sticky toffee creates a multi-dimensional flavor you might not expect but will definitely crave again and again. I hope you dive in and enjoy making this luscious dessert as much as I do. Your next favorite cake awaits!