Banoffee Cake

Banoffee Cake blends the rich, caramel flavor of dulce de leche with soft, moist banana cake layers made from ripe bananas, brown sugar, and sour cream. With hints of vanilla extract and a buttery crumb, this twist on classic cake recipes is a tribute to the beloved banoffee pie. From mixing dry ingredients in a large bowl to layering with powdered sugar frosting and caramel sauce, every step—from preheat the oven to assembling the cake—is simple, satisfying, and deeply rewarding.

Why You’ll Love Banoffee Cake

Banoffee Cake is the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence. It captures the essence of a traditional banoffee pie but transforms it into a layered masterpiece that’s rich, moist, and beautifully balanced. Made with ripe bananas, smooth dulce de leche, and a soft crumb from sour cream and unsalted butter, this dessert is far more than the sum of its parts. The combination of banana cake layers, whipped frosting, and thick caramel sauce makes each slice both nostalgic and luxurious.

Here’s why this cake stands out among other cake recipes:

• Deep Flavor: The use of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity to the mashed bananas and cake base.
• Perfect Texture: Sour cream, baking powder and baking soda, and all-purpose flour create a moist, tender crumb that holds up beautifully during assembling the cake.
• Visual Appeal: After you remove the top of the cake to even out the layers, the final stack—with swirls of powdered sugar frosting and drizzles of caramel—is visually stunning.
• Easy Prep, Big Reward: With clear steps like mixing dry ingredients in a large bowl and remembering to preheat the oven, this recipe is both accessible and impressive.

Ingredients for Banoffee Cake

To recreate the rich, layered sweetness of this Banoffee Cake, you’ll need a thoughtful mix of pantry staples and fresh produce. Each component—from the moist banana cake layers to the smooth vanilla frosting and golden dulce de leche—brings out the essence of a well-balanced dessert that pays homage to the classic banoffee pie.

For the Banana Cake Layers

• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups sour cream or buttermilk, room temperature
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)

For the Toffee Filling (Dulce de Leche)

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, label removed

For the Whipped Vanilla Frosting

• 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup pasteurized egg whites (optional, for smooth texture)

Additional Filling and Decoration

• 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced fresh
• Warmed caramel sauce for drizzling

Be sure to preheat the oven and prepare your dry ingredients in a large bowl before assembling the cake. Don’t forget to remove the top of the cake layers if needed, to ensure even stacking during the final build.

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How to Make Banoffee Cake

Creating a Banoffee Cake involves layering flavors and textures that echo the richness of a banoffee pie while bringing the warmth and structure of classic cake recipes. With ripe bananas, smooth dulce de leche, and whipped frosting, each step adds depth to this indulgent dessert. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

Step 1: Prepare the Toffee Filling

Start with the dulce de leche. Place an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a large pot. Cover completely with water and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2 hours, ensuring the can remains submerged. Cool fully before opening.

Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda, and salt.

Mash the ripe bananas and stir with lemon juice to prevent browning.

In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix in sour cream, alternating with dry ingredients, just until combined. Fold in the mashed bananas, and add chocolate if desired.

Divide the batter into the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling the cake.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Vanilla Frosting

Beat unsalted butter until pale and fluffy. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Whip until smooth. Add pasteurized egg whites for extra silkiness, if using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Level each banana cake layer by gently removing the top of the cake to create even surfaces. Spread frosting over each layer and pipe a ring of frosting around the edge. Fill the center with dulce de leche and banana slices. Repeat the process, stacking carefully.

Once all layers are stacked, apply a thin crumb coat and chill. Finish with a thicker coat of frosting. Decorate with more banana slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

This methodical process of assembling the cake ensures structure and beauty, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your final creation.

Serve Banoffee Cake

Banoffee Cake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the contrast between the creamy frosting, soft banana cake layers, and rich dulce de leche. This dessert is a centerpiece-worthy addition to gatherings, offering the familiar comfort of banoffee pie with the structure and beauty of well-crafted cake recipes.

To plate, slice with a warm, sharp knife for clean edges. Each serving delivers the sweetness of ripe bananas, the buttery crumb enriched with sour cream and unsalted butter, and a luscious center of caramel sauce.

Pair it with coffee or a simple vanilla bean tea to complement the warm tones from brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the deeply flavorful powdered sugar frosting. You may also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar on each slice or a drizzle of warmed dulce de leche for extra visual appeal.

This cake, made from all-purpose flour and a precise blend of dry ingredients including baking powder and baking soda, holds together well for presentation. For best texture and structure when serving, allow it to chill after assembling the cake and before slicing, especially if you’ve needed to remove the top of the cake layers to even them out. The result is a clean, flavorful slice worthy of celebration.

Tips for Success: Banoffee Cake

Mastering a Banoffee Cake is all about paying attention to detail and respecting each component of the process. From properly preparing the banana cake layers to assembling the cake with finesse, these tips ensure your final result mirrors the decadent flavor and texture of a perfect banoffee pie.

• Use Fully Ripe Bananas: The darker the banana skin, the sweeter and softer the mashed bananas. This enhances both moisture and flavor in the cake.
• Cream the Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: Beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy to build a tender structure.
• Balance Moisture with Sour Cream: Including sour cream (or buttermilk) in your batter ensures that the banana cake layers stay moist and rich without becoming overly dense.
• Measure Dry Ingredients Carefully: Combine baking powder and baking soda with all-purpose flour in a large bowl, whisking well to prevent uneven rise or dense patches.
• Preheat the Oven Early: Ensuring your oven is hot and ready before your batter is mixed helps maintain the cake’s intended texture and lift.
• Level Your Layers: Before assembling the cake, remove the top of the cake layers to create even, flat surfaces. This gives your final cake a clean and professional look.
• Chill Between Steps: Once stacked with frosting, dulce de leche, and banana slices, chill the cake briefly to firm up each tier before adding the final coat of powdered sugar frosting.
• Add Caramel Just Before Serving: For the best texture and appearance, drizzle the caramel sauce shortly before serving to prevent it from sinking into the frosting.

Equipment Needed for Banoffee Cake

Creating a Banoffee Cake with the rich taste of mashed bananas, dulce de leche, and smooth powdered sugar frosting requires the right tools to ensure every layer and component is just right. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just exploring new cake recipes, having these essentials on hand will make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need more than one to handle mashed bananas, dry ingredients, and the creamed mixture of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To beat the butter and sugars to the right consistency and later to whip the frosting until it’s smooth and fluffy with vanilla extract.
• Measuring Cups and Kitchen Scale: For accurately portioning all-purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda, and sour cream to ensure consistent banana cake layers.
• Rubber Spatulas and Whisks: These help you fold in dry ingredients gently and scrape down the bowl as you go.
• 8-Inch Round Cake Pans (Set of 3): Ideal for creating uniform layers that stack easily when assembling the cake.
• Wire Cooling Racks: To cool your cake layers evenly after baking and before you remove the top of the cake for layering.
• Offset Spatula and Bench Scraper: Crucial for spreading frosting evenly and achieving smooth sides once you’ve started assembling the cake.
• Saucepan or Pot: Used to make dulce de leche from sweetened condensed milk if not using pre-made.
• Serrated Knife or Cake Leveler: To level each layer after baking, allowing for clean stacking during final assembly.
• Cake Turntable (Optional): Makes decorating and layering more precise and efficient, especially when applying caramel sauce drizzles or smoothing powdered sugar frosting.

Variations of Banoffee Cake

One of the most enjoyable aspects of cake recipes like Banoffee Cake is how easily they can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re inspired by a classic banoffee pie or looking to experiment with new flavors and textures, these variations offer creative ways to personalize the rich blend of banana cake layers, dulce de leche, and whipped frosting.

• Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and replace part of the all-purpose flour to create a chocolate-banana version. Fold in dark chocolate chunks alongside the mashed bananas for extra depth.
• Nutty Layers: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter along with the brown sugar and sour cream. The crunch adds a welcome contrast to the soft banana cake layers and creamy caramel sauce.
• Coffee Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the frosting or dulce de leche to introduce a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
• Single Layer Sheet Cake: Instead of stacking, pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan. After baking and cooling, remove the top of the cake if needed, then frost with whipped vanilla frosting and drizzle with caramel sauce for an easy-to-serve alternative.
• Spiced Version: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the large bowl of dry ingredients for a warmly spiced take that complements the flavor of ripe bananas and brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions for Banoffee Cake

Banoffee Cake, inspired by the classic banoffee pie, is a rich dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures. With its moist banana cake layers made from mashed bananas, brown sugar, and sour cream, complemented by dulce de leche and whipped vanilla frosting, the cake stands well on its own but also shines with the right accompaniments.

• Coffee or Espresso: The subtle bitterness of a hot espresso or a dark roast coffee balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar frosting and caramel sauce, making each bite of cake even more satisfying.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve with a selection of berries or sliced apples to cut through the richness and add a fresh contrast to the banana and vanilla extract notes in the cake.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream alongside the cake complements the unsalted butter and granulated sugar flavors, enhancing the creamy elements without overpowering the dessert.
• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: For a lighter finish, skip the frosting on top and add a simple whipped cream with just a touch of vanilla extract and powdered sugar. This pairs especially well when assembling the cake for a less formal presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Banoffee Cake

1. Can I use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making it from condensed milk?
Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works well and saves time. Just ensure it has a thick, spreadable consistency so it holds between the banana cake layers during assembling the cake.

2. How ripe should the bananas be for the cake?
Use very ripe bananas with deep brown spots for the best flavor and moisture. These break down easily into mashed bananas and enhance the sweetness naturally, reducing the need for extra granulated sugar.

3. Can I substitute sour cream in the recipe?
Yes, sour cream can be swapped with full-fat plain yogurt or buttermilk. These provide the necessary moisture and tang that balances the sweetness from brown sugar and vanilla extract.

4. How do I prevent the cake layers from sliding during assembly?
To stabilize the layers, pipe a ring of frosting around each tier to hold the dulce de leche and banana slices. Also, chill the cake between steps to firm up the unsalted butter-based frosting before continuing to remove the top of the cake and stack additional layers.

5. Can Banoffee Cake be made in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake the banana cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic. Assemble the cake closer to serving to keep the powdered sugar frosting and caramel sauce looking fresh. Always preheat the oven before baking to ensure even texture.

Final Thoughts

Banoffee Cake is a dessert that captures everything we love about classic cake recipes while paying homage to the comforting, indulgent flavors of the traditional banoffee pie. With its moist banana cake layers enriched by sour cream, mashed bananas, and the warm sweetness of brown sugar, every slice delivers a balance of flavor and texture that’s both familiar and luxurious.

Whether you’re layering freshly made dulce de leche, folding in vanilla extract, or whipping powdered sugar frosting until silky smooth, each step—from preheat the oven to remove the top of the cake—adds to the beauty of assembling the cake. Made with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and baking soda, and unsalted butter, it’s a recipe that’s as practical as it is celebratory.

This cake is more than dessert—it’s a heartfelt baking experience that turns simple ingredients into something special worth sharing.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try

Looking to explore more recipes with the same delicious creativity and comfort found in Banoffee Cake? Here are some standout choices from Bibodo that bring flavor, simplicity, and variety to your kitchen. Whether you’re leaning sweet or savory, there’s something here for every craving.

• Refresh your side dish game with this crisp and cooling Bartaco Cucumber Salad—a light and tangy option perfect for pairing with rich meals.
• Add a bold twist to your veggie dishes with the Bartaco Spicy Cucumber Salad. It delivers heat and crunch in every bite.
• For a satisfying one-pan dinner, try the creamy and savory Smothered Chicken and Rice. This comfort classic is easy to prep and full of flavor.
• Craving something indulgent? The Crack Burger Recipe offers the ultimate in savory satisfaction, layered with rich toppings and bold seasoning.
• For a bite-sized snack or kid-friendly option, these gooey, golden Ham and Cheese Sticks are an irresistible choice for lunchboxes or game-day spreads.
• If you want a quick, protein-packed breakfast or snack, whip up a batch of Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Bars—cool, creamy, and delicious.
• Looking for a bakery-style treat? These Fluffy Banana Nut Muffins are packed with ripe banana flavor and the warm crunch of nuts.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with layers of texture and flavor in the Layered Crinkle Cookie Bars—a dessert that’s fun to make and even better to eat.