How to Make a Moist and Flavorful Banana Foster Cake

How to Make a Moist and Flavorful Banana Foster Cake

Banana Foster cake is a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of bananas, brown sugar, rum, and vanilla. Inspired by the famous Banana Foster dessert from New Orleans, this cake is a perfect balance of moistness and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will impress with its indulgent flavor and buttery texture. Here’s how to make a moist and flavorful Banana Foster cake from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for moisture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup dark rum (for that signature Banana Foster flavor)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

For the Banana Foster Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons banana liqueur (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional, to enhance flavor)

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Mash the bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.

4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

5. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. The bananas will add moisture and flavor, giving your cake its signature taste.

6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Incorporate the milk and rum: Pour in the milk and rum, mixing until the batter is smooth. The rum will add depth of flavor that makes this cake special.

8. Pour the batter into the pans: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

9. Bake: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Banana Foster Sauce

1. Melt the butter and sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the rum and banana liqueur (optional): Carefully add the dark rum to the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off. If you’re using banana liqueur, add it now. Stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from burning.

3. Add the cream and vanilla: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Allow the sauce to cool: Set the sauce aside to cool slightly before using it on the cake. It should be pourable but not too hot.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Add cream and vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and rum (if using). Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cakes: Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Use a spoon or pastry brush to drizzle a little of the warm Banana Foster sauce over the top of the cake layer.

2. Frost the cake: Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Then place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process: drizzle with more Banana Foster sauce, followed by a layer of frosting.

3. Decorate (optional): If desired, garnish with sliced bananas or additional rum sauce. You can even sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before slicing. The result is a moist, flavorful banana cake with a rich frosting and the unmistakable warmth of banana foster sauce. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect dessert experience.

Tips for Success

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas are ideal for baking.

• Don’t skip the rum: The rum is a key component of the Banana Foster flavor, giving the cake its signature warmth and depth. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute rum extract for a similar flavor.

• Room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter and frosting, make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature.

• Allow the cake to cool completely: Let the cake layers cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Banana Foster cake is an indulgent and unforgettable dessert, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and decadent banana foster sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!