Banana Bliss Layer Cake
Indulge in the decadent flavors of our Banana Bliss Layer Cake, a delightful dessert that brings a taste of nostalgia with each bite. Inspired by a cherished tradition of celebrating special moments, this cake was lovingly created for my son's first birthday, celebrating his love for banana bread. The cake is stuffed with rich, moist banana flavor and layered with a sumptuous banana-nut frosting, making it perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion. Whether you choose to incorporate toasted coconut and pecans or keep it simple, this three-layer marvel is certain to delight both children and adults alike. Enjoy the sweetness of ripe bananas complemented by a hint of bourbon or orange juice for a unique twist, making each slice a memorable experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Sugar
3 cups
Mashed Bananas
2 cups
Eggs
4 (beaten)
All-Purpose Flour
3 3/4 cups (sifted)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons
Buttermilk
1 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Bourbon or Orange Juice
2 tablespoons
Chopped Pecans
1 cup (can be omitted)
Mashed Banana
1/2 cup
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon
Butter
1/3 cup (softened)
Powdered Sugar
16 ounces (sifted)
Additional Powdered Sugar
3 cups (sifted)
Milk
3-4 tablespoons
Toasted Coconut
1 cup (optional)
Finely Chopped Pecans
2/3 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat at medium speed until well combined.
3
Incorporate the mashed bananas into the butter-sugar mixture, blending well until smooth.
4
Add the beaten eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix after each addition until just combined.
6
Stir in the vanilla extract, bourbon (or orange juice), and chopped pecans if using. Mix until well incorporated.
7
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.
10
Prepare the Banana Nut Frosting by mixing the mashed banana with lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside.
11
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer and then gradually add 16 ounces of sifted powdered sugar along with the milk, mixing until combined.
12
Add the reserved banana mixture and continue to beat the frosting until fluffy and light.
13
If desired, fold in the toasted coconut and finely chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
14
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the frosting between each layer and on top of the cake.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Banana Bliss Layer Cake?
The Banana Bliss Layer Cake is a moist three-layer cake filled with rich banana flavor and topped with a sumptuous banana-nut frosting.
What was the inspiration for this cake recipe?
This recipe was created for a son's first birthday to celebrate his specific love for banana bread.
How many layers does this cake have?
This cake is a three-layer marvel.
What size cake pans should be used?
The recipe requires three 9-inch round cake pans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake layers should bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Can I substitute bourbon in the recipe?
Yes, you can use orange juice instead of bourbon for a unique twist.
Are pecans necessary for the cake batter?
No, the chopped pecans in the batter are optional and can be omitted.
What type of frosting is paired with this cake?
The cake is paired with a creamy Banana Nut Frosting.
How much mashed banana is needed for the cake batter?
The batter requires 2 cups of mashed bananas.
How much mashed banana goes into the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/2 cup of mashed banana.
Why is lemon juice added to the frosting?
Lemon juice is mixed with the mashed banana to help preserve it before being added to the frosting mixture.
What optional ingredients can be added to the frosting?
You can fold in toasted coconut and finely chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
What is the fat source used for the cake and frosting?
Softened butter is the primary fat source used in both the cake and the frosting.
Is buttermilk used in the Banana Bliss Layer Cake?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 beaten eggs for the cake batter.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the all-purpose flour and baking soda together is recommended.
How much powdered sugar is required for the frosting?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of sifted powdered sugar plus an additional 3 cups if needed for consistency.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
All-purpose flour is the specified flour for this recipe.
Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
Yes, it is described as perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion.
How much vanilla extract is used?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the cake batter.
What is the first step of the baking process?
The first step is to preheat the oven and grease and flour your cake pans.
When should I apply the frosting to the cake?
Wait until the cake layers are completely cooled before spreading the frosting between layers and on top.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily.
How much milk is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk.
Is coconut included in the batter or the frosting?
Toasted coconut is an optional addition specifically for the frosting.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened for both the cake and the frosting to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients and buttermilk?
Gradually add the dry mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.