Banana cake with caramel cream

Banana Cake with Caramel Cream is a moist and flavorful cake that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a smooth and rich caramel cream. This dessert is comforting yet indulgent, perfect for a family gathering or a special treat. Here’s how to make it:

Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Banana Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

For the Caramel Cream:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced bananas
• Caramel drizzle

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Add bananas and sour cream: Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Cream

1. Cook sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the caramel.

2. Add cream: Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.

3. Cool and add butter: Let the caramel cool for a few minutes, then stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the caramel cool to room temperature.

4. Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cooled caramel with the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level cake layers: If the cake layers have domed, trim the tops to make them flat.

2. Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of caramel cream over the top.

3. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining caramel cream.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): Decorate with sliced bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and presentation.

2. Serve: Slice and enjoy the moist banana cake with the rich caramel cream frosting.

This Banana Cake with Caramel Cream is a delightful combination of flavors, with the sweetness of bananas perfectly balanced by the creamy caramel. It's a satisfying dessert for any occasion!