Banana Split Sundae Cake

Step 1

For the banana ice cream cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Step 2

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until nutty brown. Immediately remove from the heat and reserve.

Step 3

Whisk the flour with the baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Vigorously whisk the bananas with the browned butter in a large bowl until very well combined and creamy. Whisk the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla into the banana mixture until smooth.

Step 4

Fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture with a rubber spatula until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread to cover completely; the layer will be thin. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Cool completely on a rack, about 1 hour.

Step 5

Spread the ice cream evenly over the banana cake with a rubber spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6

For the chocolate sauce: Combine the chocolate, cream, corn syrup, butter and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk periodically as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to boil, turn down the heat. Cool 15 minutes before serving. Transfer to a bowl or small pitcher. (Yield: 1 2/3 cups.)

Step 7

For the caramelized bananas: Remove the cake from the freezer and let stand at room temperature. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl the pan. When the butter is completely melted, place the banana pieces cut-sides down in one layer in the pan. When they are nicely browned, after 4 to 5 minutes, flip the bananas. Cook until the other sides are browned and the bananas have softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 8

To serve, place desired toppings in bowls. Cut squares of the banana cake and divide among serving bowls. Let each person build a sundae with the chocolate sauce, caramelized bananas, and additional toppings.

Step 9

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