Transform those browning bananas into a delicious treat with James Martin’s tantalizing banana bread cake. This recipe goes beyond the ordinary, adding a luxurious twist with a homemade toffee sauce that elevates the flavors to new heights. Martin himself describes this creation as “better than ever served with banana and toffee sauce,” highlighting its sticky, decadent nature that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ready to enjoy in under an hour, it’s a perfect solution for those impromptu gatherings or simply a craving for something sweet. The cake itself is a classic banana bread base, combining the sweetness of sugar with the richness of butter and the essence of ripe bananas. The addition of eggs provides structure and helps create a moist crumb, while the self-raising flour ensures a light and airy texture.
The real star of the show, however, is the toffee sauce. This indulgent topping transforms the humble banana bread into a truly decadent dessert. The process is straightforward: caramelize slices of banana in butter and sugar, then enhance the flavors with a blend of cream, brandy, pecans, and maple syrup. This creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
To assemble this masterpiece, simply tip the cooled cake onto a serving platter, fill the center with the warm toffee bananas, drizzle generously with additional maple syrup, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination of warm and cold, sweet and savory, is sure to delight your taste buds.
While banana bread might seem like a winter comfort food, the addition of ice cream makes this dessert perfect for any season. This recipe yields enough to satisfy a crowd of up to 10, making it an ideal option for gatherings or any time you need a delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert.
