Exquisite Banoffee Cake with Salted Caramel and Chocolate

Embark on a culinary adventure with this exquisite Banoffee Cake, a stunning creation that combines the comforting flavors of banana and toffee with the indulgence of chocolate and salted caramel. This cake features fluffy layers of banana cake, each enveloped in a rich vanilla bean buttercream, and elegantly layered with crushed graham crackers, homemade salted caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings. It’s a masterpiece of flavors and textures, promising to be a showstopper at any gathering or a luxurious treat for those special moments at home.

Why You’ll Love This:

The magic of this Banoffee Cake lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and the delightful contrast of textures. From the moist banana cake layers to the crunch of graham crackers and the smoothness of the caramel and buttercream, every bite is a celebration. The homemade salted caramel sauce adds a decadent depth, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the chocolate shavings. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to assemble and serve, making it a perfect choice for those who love to bake with passion.

Perfect Occasion:

This Banoffee Cake is ideal for celebrations that call for something extraordinary. Be it a birthday, an anniversary, or a festive holiday gathering, it’s sure to impress and delight. Its elegant appearance and sophisticated flavor profile make it suitable for dinner parties or as a special dessert to enjoy with family. It’s also a wonderful way to show appreciation for someone special, offering a slice of luxury and indulgence that’s hard to resist.

Decoration Tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, consider finishing the cake with a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce and a sprinkling of sea salt flakes on top. Fresh banana slices or a few whole graham crackers can add a lovely decorative touch, hinting at the flavors within. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, edible flowers or gold leaf can elevate the presentation, making the cake not just a dessert, but a centerpiece.

Ingredients:

Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Banana Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed

Whipped Vanilla Bean Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature

Toppings:

• 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed
• 2 oz chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce: Combine sugar and water; simmer until amber. Mix in butter, cream, salt, and vanilla. Cool.
2. Bake the Banana Cake: Mix dry ingredients; separately whisk sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil, vanilla, and bananas. Combine, bake, and cool.
3. Whip up the Vanilla Bean Buttercream: Beat butter and sugar; add vanilla and cream until fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake: Layer cakes with buttercream, graham crackers, chocolate shavings, and caramel. Frost, chill, and add final touches.

This Banoffee Cake, with its layers of flavor and texture, is a true celebration of dessert artistry. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the process is as enjoyable as the final decadent slice. Enjoy the journey of creating this masterpiece and the delightful moments it brings.