Napa & Co.'s Maple-Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

You’ve finished the turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, sides galore, apple sauce, cranberry sauce, salads, cole slaw, and maybe a few glasses of cider, wine and beer. In the background, the football games are on the TVs and maybe a little jazz, rock or classical fills the air. It’s been a great Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family. So what’s next? Close your eyes and travel to the South and focus on one of their comfort food desserts, Bread Pudding.

Chef Adam Truelove of Napa & Co. in Stamford was kind enough to share his version with CTbites, and he starts with a simple bread pudding and adds his special twists…bourbon, maple syrup and bananas. Here's Chef Truelove's recipe for Maple-Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake.

Napa & Co.'s Maple-Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake

Recipe by Chef Adam Truelove

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 overripe banana, mashed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 375°.

1. In a deep, 2-quart baking or soufflé dish, melt the butter in the microwave. Whisk in the superfine sugar and banana, mashing until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the egg and milk.
2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt; whisk into the baking dish until combined (the batter will be pretty loose).
3. In a microwave-safe cup, heat the maple syrup, light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of hot water at high power until hot, 1 minute. Add the bourbon. Drizzle the syrup mixture over the batter; it will seep to the bottom. Do not stir. Scatter the pecans on top.
4. Set the dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, until the cake is golden.

 [Photo courtesy of Food and Wine]