Bananas Foster Skillet Cakes with Cinnamon Swirl Syrup
Bring the drama of Bananas Foster to breakfast with these fluffy skillet cakes layered with warm cream cheese and banana sauce. Drizzle the stack with a rich cinnamon-maple syrup that has been finished with a touch of butter. Slice into wedges and serve warm for a decadent treat that turns any morning into a special occasion.
Ingredients
Skillet Cakes
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Banana Cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, ½ cup
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole banana, peeled and sliced into rounds
Cinnamon Swirl Syrup
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Skillet Cakes
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk buttermilk, maple syrup, egg and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Heat an electric griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Melt together the canola oil and remaining tablespoon butter. Ladle the batter into the pan.
- Cook until the batter bubbles and the edges begin to crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip the skillet cakes and cook on the second side until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Remove to a platter and keep warm in a 200° oven or warming drawer. Repeat with the remaining batter using additional canola oil and butter as needed.
Banana Cream
- Whisk together cream cheese, condensed milk, buttermilk, molasses and vanilla in a saucepan over medium high heat.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add water to thin the cream to desired consistency if necessary.
- Stir in the bananas and keep warm.
Cinnamon Swirl Syrup
- Whisk the maple syrup, condensed milk and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until just combined, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and swirl in the butter. Keep warm.
Assembly & Serving
- Build the dish by layering a skillet cake topped with a spoonful of banana cream. Continue as high as you dare.
- Pour syrup over the top.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
Perfect pancakes or skillet cakes need perfect temperature control to ensure they brown evenly.
Skillet cakes should have a crispy edge and a fluffy center, while pancakes are beautifully tanned on both sides. The best tools for the task are either an electric skillet or griddle pan over gas heat. Each will allow you to adjust the temperature as you cook the cakes in batches. A budget-friendly alternative is your trusty, large nonstick skillet.
The Heart of the Table
This impressive, layered stack serves as a stunning centerpiece, gathering everyone around with its sweet aroma of caramelized bananas and warm cinnamon. It brings a sense of fun and indulgence to the table, making everyone feel pampered and happy.
The Art of the Host
- oatmeal-toned washed linen napkins
- a large nonstick skillet or electric griddle
- a balloon whisk
- a heatproof glass syrup pitcher
- a flat spatula for flipping
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Build the skillet cakes into a tall stack on a hand-painted ceramic platter, skewering the center with a long cinnamon stick for a festive touch, and slicing it like a cake.
- THE POUR: Pair with a rich, dark espresso or a warm cup of rooibos tea with a splash of cream.
- THE VIBE: Morning Sunroom. The soft glow of early morning light and the rich aroma of sweet syrup set a warm, peaceful mood for a cozy breakfast.