If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and comes together in just minutes, you must try this Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a brilliantly simple twist on traditional banana bread, turning the process into a no-fuss, ingredient-dumping celebration of flavors. With luscious mashed bananas, buttery richness, a touch of caramel, and the cozy spice of cinnamon swirl cake mix, this cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing delight that bakes up moist and golden every time. Trust me, once you get this recipe in your rotation, it will become one of your go-to comfort desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe is straightforward because the ingredients are both essential and harmonious. Each one plays a crucial role: bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, evaporated milk adds creaminess, pecans offer crunch, caramel gives a luscious twist, cinnamon swirl cake mix introduces spice and structure, and butter blankets it all in golden richness.
- 6 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that gives the cake its signature moistness and fruity flavor.
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk: Adds creamy smoothness that melds all the flavors together beautifully.
- ¼ cup caramel sauce: Provides a decadent sweet note that enhances the bananas perfectly.
- â…“ cup chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
- 1 (21-oz) box cinnamon swirl cake mix: Offers warmth with cinnamon spice and creates the perfect crumbly topping.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced: Melts over the cake mix to achieve a crisp, golden-brown crust.
How to Make Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350ºF and give your 9×13-inch cake pan a quick spray with cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Layer the Bananas and Evaporated Milk
Spread the mashed bananas evenly across the bottom of the pan. This creates a soft, rich base. Then, gently pour the evaporated milk over the bananas to infuse creaminess throughout the dessert.
Step 3: Add Pecans and Caramel Sauce
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the banana layer for a crunchy texture contrast. Drizzle the caramel sauce over everything to add that irresistibly sweet, buttery flavor that pairs so well with bananas.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Be sure to include the cinnamon swirl mixture from inside the cake mix box—it gives the cake a heavenly spice swirl baked inside.
Step 5: Top with Butter Slices
Lay the thin slices of butter across the top of the cake mix, covering the pan as evenly as possible. This step is crucial because the butter melts down during baking, transforming the dry cake mix into a crisp, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Once the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble, your banana bread dump cake is ready to bring out of the oven and smell-fest your kitchen.
How to Serve Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of this cake needs little to stand out, but a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a cool, creamy balance that’s pure magic. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top elevate the presentation and add texture, making every bite a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt; the cake’s richness contrasts nicely with light, fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing makeover, try serving the cake in individual ramekins, then top each with caramel drizzle and pecans. You can also layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover banana bread dump cake stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to keep the caramel fresh, but be aware the crust might soften slightly.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months and thawing overnight in the fridge works perfectly.
Reheating
Warm up leftover cake slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 10 minutes. This revives the buttery crust and melts the caramel just enough to make it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Overripe bananas are even better because they are sweeter and softer, making your dump cake extra moist and flavorful.
Is the evaporated milk necessary, or can I substitute it?
Evaporated milk lends rich creaminess, but you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half if needed. Just expect a slightly lighter texture.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While cinnamon swirl works best for that classic banana bread vibe, feel free to experiment with spice cake or yellow cake mixes for a different flavor twist.
Do I have to include the caramel sauce?
The caramel sauce adds a lovely sweetness that complements the bananas, but if you prefer your cake less sweet, you can omit or reduce it without sacrificing too much flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The dump cake is ready when the edges and top are golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the sides. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s wonderfully easy to make, forgiving in preparation, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this dessert will surprise you with how effortless and satisfying homemade dessert can be. Give it a try and share the joy with friends and family—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Banana Bread Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Bread Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert combining ripe bananas, caramel, pecans, and cinnamon swirl cake mix, baked to golden perfection. With simple layering and no mixing required, it’s a delightful twist on traditional banana bread that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Banana Layer
- 6 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
Toppings
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- â…“ cup chopped pecans
Cake Layer
- 1 (21-oz) box cinnamon swirl cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
- Layer the Bananas: Spread the mashed bananas evenly in the bottom of the prepared cake pan, then pour the evaporated milk evenly over the bananas to moisten the base layer.
- Add Nuts and Caramel: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the banana and milk mixture, then drizzle the caramel sauce on top for added sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon swirl cake mix over the entire pan, ensuring a uniform layer that will bake into a flavorful topping.
- Add Butter Slices: Distribute the thinly sliced unsalted butter uniformly over the cake mix layer, covering the pan to allow the butter to melt and moisten the cake during baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with dulce de leche or butterscotch sauce for variation.
- Ensure butter slices cover the cake mix evenly to promote even browning and moist texture.
- This dessert can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
