Sticky Banana, Date & Pecan Skillet Pudding
A rich and gooey Sticky Banana, Date & Pecan Skillet Pudding that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and caramel-like dates with toasted pecans for a comforting and elegant dessert. Baked in a single skillet, it offers a delightful texture contrast and a rustic warm presentation, perfect as a cozy nightcap or weekend indulgence.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Fruits & Nuts
- 3 ripe bananas (well-matured with dark spots)
- 1 cup chopped dates (soft, rich)
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans (lightly toasted)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients & Others
- 4 tbsp butter (melted, plus extra for greasing skillet)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Prepare the skillet and toast pecans: Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet with butter and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the pecans in the skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, then set aside to cool.
- Mash bananas and mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, then stir until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure the pudding develops a light, tender crumb.
- Incorporate dates and mix everything: Chop the dates into small pieces and fold them into the dry ingredients. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the best texture.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the batter into the buttered skillet and evenly sprinkle the toasted pecans on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a tester inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the pudding cool for a few minutes in the skillet before serving warm. The edges should be crispy with a sticky, luscious interior.
Notes
- Banana ripeness is crucial: use bananas with dark spots for rich flavor and natural sweetness.
- Toast pecans to unlock their oils and boost crunchiness.
- Generously butter the skillet to help create crisp edges and a perfect crust.
- Mix ingredients gently; overmixing can make pudding dense.
- Serve warm, not hot, to allow the pudding to set and enhance its sticky texture.
- For nut-free option, substitute pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit nuts.
- To make vegan, use almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
- Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Mix in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips before baking for extra gooeyness.
- Try swapping bananas with mashed ripe pears or applesauce; dates with raisins or chopped dried figs for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of pudding
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana pudding, skillet dessert, date pudding, pecan dessert, sticky pudding, cozy dessert, easy skillet recipe