Caramelized Banana Dream Cake
Discover a sumptuous blend of flavors with our Caramelized Banana Dream Cake, made effortlessly in a slow cooker! Perfectly ripe bananas are transformed into a luscious caramel layer, beautifully complemented by a moist and fragrant cake infused with warming spices. This dessert is nothing short of a revelation—your family will be flocking to the kitchen for another slice! Ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just treating yourself, this cake is a delightful end to any meal. Serve it warm with a scoop of creamy ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
5 tablespoons (in small pieces, plus more for greasing)
dark brown sugar
3/4 cup (firmly packed, plus more for lining the cooker)
dark rum
3 tablespoons
ripe medium bananas
2 lbs (peeled and halved lengthwise (about 6))
cake flour
3/4 cup
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons
ground nutmeg
1 1/4 teaspoons
fine salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (softened (1/2 stick))
sugar
2/3 cup
large egg
1 (at room temperature)
large egg yolk
1 (at room temperature)
whole milk
2 tablespoons (at room temperature)
ice cream
to serve
Instructions
1
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by generously buttering the inside of a slow cooker. For an extra layer of ease, line the entire bottom and sides with aluminum foil and then butter the foil. Turn the slow cooker to the HIGH setting.
2
Create the Caramel Base: Sprinkle small pieces of butter evenly over the lined bottom of the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar and dark rum, stirring slightly to combine. Place banana halves cut side down in a slightly overlapping pattern, pressing them gently into the sugar mixture to ensure they absorb the caramel flavor.
3
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine salt. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together on low speed until blended. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy—about 10 minutes. Gradually add the egg and egg yolk, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4
Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low, add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk in two parts. Start and end with the flour, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
5
Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the banana layer in the slow cooker, using a spatula to smooth the top. To create a tight seal, place a double layer of paper towels over the slow cooker before covering it with the lid — this helps to trap moisture and ensures a wonderfully fluffy cake.
6
Cook the Cake: Leave the cooker on HIGH for about 3 1/2 hours, or until the sides are lightly browned, and the center springs back when touched. Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake sit for an additional 20 minutes.
7
Serve the Cake: Utilize the foil to lift the cake from the slow cooker and transfer it to the countertop to cool for another 30 minutes. Carefully fold back the foil and invert the cake onto a serving platter to reveal the gorgeous caramelized bananas on top.
8
Enjoy: Cut into slices or spoon servings into bowls and pair each piece with a scoop of ice cream for decadent delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caramelized Banana Dream Cake?
It is a sumptuous dessert made in a slow cooker that features a layer of caramelized bananas topped with a moist, fragrant spice cake.
What appliance is required for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a slow cooker.
How should I prepare the slow cooker?
Generously butter the inside, or line it with aluminum foil and then butter the foil for easier removal.
What temperature setting should be used?
The slow cooker should be set to the HIGH setting for the duration of the cooking time.
How is the caramel base created?
The base is made by combining small pieces of butter, firmly packed dark brown sugar, and dark rum at the bottom of the slow cooker.
How should the bananas be arranged?
Place the peeled and halved bananas cut side down in a slightly overlapping pattern, pressing them into the sugar mixture.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cake flour to ensure a light and tender texture.
What spices are used in the batter?
The cake is infused with 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
How long should I beat the butter and sugar?
Use an electric mixer on high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the correct way to add eggs to the batter?
Gradually add the egg and egg yolk one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
How should I combine the flour and milk?
Add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour.
Why are paper towels placed under the lid?
A double layer of paper towels helps trap excess moisture, which ensures the cake stays fluffy rather than getting soggy.
What is the total cooking time?
The cake should cook on HIGH for approximately 3 1/2 hours.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when the sides are lightly browned and the center springs back when touched.
Should I let the cake rest after cooking?
Yes, turn off the cooker and let the cake sit for 20 minutes before attempting to remove it.
How do I remove the cake from the slow cooker?
Use the aluminum foil lining to lift the cake out and transfer it to a countertop to cool for 30 minutes.
How do I reveal the banana layer?
Fold back the foil and carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter so the caramelized bananas are on top.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve it warm, ideally paired with a scoop of creamy ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Can I use dark rum in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of dark rum are added to the caramel base for a deep, rich flavor.
What temperature should the eggs and milk be?
The eggs and milk should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate properly into the batter.
How many bananas are needed?
You will need approximately 2 lbs of ripe medium bananas, which is about 6 bananas.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 teaspoons of fine salt for the batter.
How should the bananas be cut?
The bananas should be peeled and halved lengthwise before being placed in the slow cooker.
What type of butter should be used?
Use unsalted butter for both the caramel base and the cake batter.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, and spices helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
What type of sugar is used for the caramel base?
3/4 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar is used for the caramel layer.
What type of sugar is used for the cake batter?
The cake batter requires 2/3 cup of standard granulated sugar.
Can I use a spatula to assemble the cake?
Yes, use a spatula to evenly smooth the batter over the banana layer once it is poured into the cooker.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, it is ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a special treat for family and friends.