Bananas Foster Pound Cake

Step 1

Heat oven to 325 degrees and generously coat a 10-inch/12-cup Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Make the bananas Foster filling: Peel the bananas and cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Melt butter in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, then add the sliced bananas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a sugary syrup forms, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3

Turn off the flame (or if using an electric stove, pull the skillet off the heat) and add the liquor, if using. Return pan to the heat and, if using a gas stove, slightly tilt the pan near the flame to flambé. (If using an electric stove, light the liquid with a long-reach lighter.) Let the flames die down, swirling the pan until the alcohol burns off. Reduce heat to low and stir briefly with a wooden spoon. (Alternatively, skip adding the alcohol, add buttermilk and cook sauce just until the liquid reduces slightly.) Strain liquid from bananas into a medium bowl to separate bananas and sauce; set both aside.

Step 4

Make the cake: In a stand mixer or with a hand-held mixer on medium speed, cream together granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

Sift the flour into a medium bowl. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together the sour cream and buttermilk.

Step 6

Once the butter is creamed, add 1 egg at a time and mix until each is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.

Step 7

Add half the flour and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. With the mixer running, add the buttermilk mixture in a slow, steady stream and mix until fully incorporated. Add the remaining flour and mix.

Step 8

Once fully combined, add the vanilla and mix to incorporate. By hand, fold in strained bananas.

Step 9

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth evenly. Bake for 65 to 80 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.

Step 10

While the cake cools, prepare the glaze: Sift the confectioners’ sugar into the bowl with the reserved banana sauce and whisk to combine. If the glaze is too thick, thin with water (or buttermilk), 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth, drizzles easily and coats the back of a wooden spoon.

Step 11

Once cake has cooled, spoon the glaze over. Slice the cake and serve with ice cream or whipped cream and candied pralines, if desired.