"Indulge in a luscious banana layer cake recipe! Moist layers, creamy frosting, and ripe bananas make this dessert a must-try. Perfect for any occasion!"
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for a **luscious banana layer cake**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help you rank better for baking-related searches:
- **Ripe bananas** (3-4 medium-sized, mashed) - *Perfect for natural sweetness and moisture.*
- **All-purpose flour** (2 ½ cups) - *The base for a fluffy and tender cake crumb.*
- **Granulated sugar** (1 cup) - *Adds sweetness and helps with texture.*
- **Brown sugar** (½ cup) - *Enhances flavor with a rich, caramel-like taste.*
- **Unsalted butter** (1 cup, softened) - *For a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.*
- **Eggs** (3 large) - *Provides structure and richness to the cake.*
- **Baking soda** (1 tsp) - *Helps the cake rise and stay light.*
- **Baking powder** (1 tsp) - *Ensures a fluffy and airy texture.*
- **Salt** (½ tsp) - *Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.*
- **Sliced bananas** - *For a fresh and decorative touch.*
- **Toasted coconut flakes** - *Adds texture and tropical flavor.*
- **Caramel drizzle** - *For an indulgent finishing touch.*
This **banana layer cake recipe** is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a cozy dessert. It’s packed with **moist banana flavor**, **rich cream cheese frosting**, and optional add-ons for extra decadence. Enjoy baking this **easy banana cake** that’s sure to impress!
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Steps
# How to Make a Luscious Banana Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're craving a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert, this **banana layer cake** recipe is perfect for you. Packed with ripe bananas, creamy frosting, and a tender crumb, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Follow these detailed steps to create a **homemade banana cake** that will impress your family and friends.
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## **Ingredients for Banana Layer Cake**
### For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
### For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Optional: 1-2 ripe bananas (sliced for garnish)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
### **Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together **2 ½ cups flour**, **1 ½ teaspoons baking powder**, **1 teaspoon baking soda**, **½ teaspoon salt**, and **1 teaspoon cinnamon** (if using). Set aside.
### **Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar**
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat **¾ cup softened butter** and **1 ½ cups sugar** until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add **3 eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** and **3 mashed bananas** until fully combined.
### **Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with **1 cup buttermilk**. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
### **Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers**
1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for **25-30 minutes** or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### **Step 6: Make the Frosting**
1. In a large bowl, beat **1 cup softened butter** until creamy.
2. Gradually add **4 cups powdered sugar**, mixing on low speed to avoid a mess.
3. Add **2 teaspoons vanilla extract** and **2-3 tablespoons heavy cream** or milk. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
### **Step 7: Assemble the Cake**
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
3. For a decorative touch, garnish with **sliced bananas** or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Banana Layer Cake**
- Use **ripe bananas** for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- For a **moist cake**, avoid overbaking—check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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This **banana layer cake** is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with a rich, creamy frosting. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!