Meet your new go-to dessert: Peanut Butter Banana Bliss Cake. With its luscious layers of banana-infused cake and creamy peanut butter frosting, this is the perfect treat for any peanut butter and banana lover. It's comforting, easy to make, and sure to impress!
The foundation of this cake is the classic all-purpose flour, which gives it structure. The baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping your cake rise perfectly. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.
You'll use unsalted butter in both the cake and frosting for a creamy texture and a rich taste. The granulated sugar sweetens the cake just right, while eggs provide structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and depth, while the mashed ripe bananas are the star, bringing their natural sweetness and flavor. Sour cream keeps the cake moist, complementing the bananas beautifully.
The creamy peanut butter in the frosting adds a luscious, nutty flavor. Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting, while a splash of milk ensures it's spreadable. Finally, banana chips and dark chocolate chips provide a delightful crunch and a touch of indulgence.
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, serve with a few fresh banana slices on the side. A hot cup of tea or a glass of cold milk complements the cake's richness perfectly.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You'll want to grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mix will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until they're light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, which should make the mixture wonderfully fragrant and slightly chunky.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture, alternating with sour cream. This method helps in maintaining a smooth batter without overmixing. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, it's time to prepare the frosting. Beat together the peanut butter, remaining butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This frosting should be thick yet spreadable.
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter and spread with half of the peanut butter frosting. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Decorate with banana chips and drizzle with melted dark chocolate. A quick chill will help set the chocolate before serving.