Bananas Foster Cake: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

Bananas Foster Cake takes the iconic New Orleans dessert and elevates it into a stunning, multi-layered cake that dazzles with rum-infused bananas, warm spices, and rich caramel undertones.

This cake combines moist layers infused with bananas and spices, luscious caramel spice buttercream, and a spectacular bananas foster topping for a truly indulgent experience.

Perfect for special occasions or impressing guests, this recipe balances the rustic charm of the original with the elegance of a layered cake.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or eager to try a sophisticated dessert, this bananas foster cake recipe delivers show-stopping flavor and texture.

Ingredients Checklist

Before beginning, ensure you have all these components ready for the cake, the bananas foster sauce, and the caramel spice buttercream frosting.

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) butter golden or yellow cake mix

• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually butter/oil, eggs, and water)

• 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 cup buttermilk

Bananas Foster Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup dark rum (optional, for flambé and flavor)

• 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced

Caramel Spice Rum Buttercream:

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons rum or rum extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream, as needed for desired consistency

Additional:

• Parchment paper for lining pans

• Pecans or praline icing for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your luscious Bananas Foster Cake with layers, sauce, and frosting.

1. Prepare Cake Batter:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, prepare cake mix according to package instructions, substituting oil with softened butter if desired for richer flavor.

• Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg for warming spice notes.

• Add mashed bananas and buttermilk to the batter, folding gently until combined for moistness and banana flavor.

• Divide batter evenly among pans and bake 25-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make Bananas Foster Sauce:

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.

• Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until sugar dissolves and sauce begins to bubble.

• Stir in heavy cream, simmering gently to thicken slightly.

• Add rum and bananas, cooking until bananas soften and caramelize lightly. If flambéing, carefully ignite rum and let flames subside, cooking off alcohol but leaving flavor.

• Remove from heat and let sauce cool to room temperature before assembly.

3. Prepare Caramel Spice Rum Buttercream:

• Beat softened butter until creamy (1-2 minutes).

• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.

• Mix in vanilla extract, rum (or rum extract), cinnamon, and salt.

• Add heavy cream tablespoon by tablespoon to reach spreading consistency.

• Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on your serving plate.

• Spread a generous amount of caramel spice rum buttercream over the layer.

• Spoon some bananas foster sauce and sliced bananas over the frosting.

• Repeat with second and third layers, finishing with buttercream on top and sides.

• Optionally pipe decorative swirls with remaining buttercream and garnish with banana slices and pecan praline icing for added texture and elegance.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Bananas Foster Cake turns out beautifully every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use ripe bananas: They impart natural sweetness and enhance moistness.

• Flambé safely: Always keep a lid nearby, work in a ventilated area, and stand back when igniting alcohol.

• Chill cake layers before frosting: This minimizes crumbs and makes layering easier.

• Add spices thoughtfully: Cinnamon and nutmeg should be balanced—too much can overpower bananas.

• Beat buttercream thoroughly: This creates a light, airy frosting that’s easy to spread and pipe.

• Let sauce cool: Avoid making the frosting too wet by ensuring bananas foster sauce is at room temp before assembly.

• Make ahead: Bake layers and prepare sauce a day in advance for easier assembly and enhanced flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your serving experience with these pairing and presentation ideas:

• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy full flavor and moist texture.

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice for extra indulgence.

• Drizzle additional bananas foster sauce on the plate for a professional touch.

• Garnish with toasted pecans or praline icing for crunchy contrast.

• Pair with rich coffee or a smooth dessert wine to complement the cake’s warmth and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Bananas Foster Cake is an exquisite blend of rich flavors and textures that bring a beloved New Orleans dessert to elegant cake form.

Its moist banana-spiced layers, decadent caramel rum buttercream, and flambéed bananas create a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

With detailed preparation tips and the flexibility to make components ahead of time, this cake is approachable for bakers seeking to impress.

Whether for holidays, celebrations, or special dinners, this Bananas Foster Cake promises an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Treat yourself and your guests to this timeless indulgence today.