Embark on a sweet journey with our Decadent Banoffee Layer Cake, a sumptuous creation that marries the rich flavors of banana, toffee, and chocolate in perfect harmony. This exquisite dessert features soft, moist banana cake layers, filled with fresh banana slices, crunchy toffee pieces, and luxurious chocolate shavings, all enveloped in a silky dulce de leche buttercream frosting. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake promises a truly memorable experience with its delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Why You'll Love This:
This cake is a banoffee lover's dream come true, offering a gourmet twist on the classic dessert. The homemade banana cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the mashed brown bananas and a hint of cinnamon. The addition of toffee and chocolate provides a satisfying crunch and richness, while the dulce de leche buttercream adds a layer of creamy decadence. Each bite of this cake is a blend of comfort and luxury, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to impress with their baking skills or to enjoy an exceptionally delicious treat.
Perfect Occasion:
This Banoffee Layer Cake is ideal for any celebration that calls for something extraordinary—be it birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. It's also a wonderful surprise for afternoon teas or as a show-stopping dessert at dinner parties. Not only does it look stunning, but its unique flavor profile ensures it will stand out and be remembered long after the last slice has been enjoyed.
Decoration Tips:
- For an added touch of elegance, garnish the cake with gold leaf on top of the banana slices, toffee bits, and chocolate shavings.
- Serve each cake slice on individual plates, drizzled with a little extra dulce de leche sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Consider using a variety of chocolate shavings, including white and dark chocolate, for a visually appealing contrast that adds depth to the cake's flavor.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 225g mashed overripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 385g cake flour (all-purpose flour is also fine)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 113.5g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 150g granulated sugar
- 165g light brown sugar
- 59.15ml neutral oil (e.g., canola or melted coconut)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 57.5g sour cream, at room temperature
- 240g buttermilk, at room temperature
Filling:
- 1-2 thinly sliced bananas
- 3 tbsp toffee pieces
- Chocolate shavings
Frosting:
- 340.5g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 75.33g dulce de leche or caramel sauce
- 600g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Additional dulce de leche or caramel sauce for swirling
Instructions:
- Cake Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment and grease. Mix mashed bananas with lemon juice. Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Cream butter and sugars, then add oil, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in bananas and sour cream, alternate dry ingredients with buttermilk into the mix. Divide batter among pans and bake for 27-32 minutes. Cool completely.
- Frosting: Beat butter and dulce de leche until smooth. Add powdered sugar, salt, and cream to desired consistency.
- Assembly: Layer cakes with frosting, banana slices, toffee, and chocolate. Frost outside with a crumb coat, chill, then apply final frosting layer. Swirl extra dulce de leche on top, and garnish with banana slices, toffee, and chocolate shavings.
Indulge in the layers of flavor and texture that make this Banoffee Layer Cake a dessert you'll cherish and crave. Enjoy!