Banoffee Snack Cake

5.0
(1)

This take on the classic British pie combines rich banana cake, fudgy caramel frosting, and a thick layer of butter shortbread crumbs.

banoffee snack cakes
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Stand Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
12

This snack cake is inspired by “banoffee,” a pie flavor mashup of banana and toffee that’s long been popular in the United Kingdom. In snack cake form, it begins with a dense, sweet banana cake topped with a caramel glaze.  After baking, the cake is topped with a caramel glaze that’s made on the stovetop. While it pours from the pot almost like a liquid, the glaze ultimately sets to be slightly chewy, like fudge. Best of all, it adds huge caramel flavor to each bite. Finally, a layer of buttery shortbread crumbs presses into the top for the perfect crunchy finish. Slice the cake into squares for serving (and be happy that bananas help keep it moist for days, if it lasts that long).

The only part of a classic banoffee pie that’s “missing” from this cake is the whipped cream topping. While this cake is perfect without it, feel free to add a dollop, which might take it to the ultimate level.

Cook’s Note

Want a bit of extra caramel flavor? Add caramel bits to the batter; they will melt during baking into little studded pockets of sweet in each slice. (You can find caramel bits in the baking section of grocery stores or online.)

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3/4 teaspoon plus 1 dash sea salt, divided

  • 4 ripe bananas, peeled

  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, divided

  • 1/3 cup sour cream

  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar, divided

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

  • 1 cup caramel bits (such as Kraft®, optional)

  • 3 ounces shortbread cookies

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/3 cup whole milk

  • 2 cups confectioner's sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and position a rack in the center. Coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving 1 to 2 inches of overhang; coat parchment with cooking spray.

  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.

  3. In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until coarsely mashed. Add 6 tablespoons melted butter and the sour cream and mix until well combined. Whisk in 1 cup brown sugar, then the eggs, then 2 teaspoons vanilla until well combined. Stir in flour mixture with a silicone spatula. Fold in caramel bits. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread in an even layer.

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until cake springs back lightly when touched in center, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack. Let cool completely.

  5. While cake cools, make crumb topping. Put cookies in a large zip-top bag, seal bag, and use a rolling pin to crush cookies into coarse crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a small bowl. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and dash of salt.

  6. For caramel glaze, melt the 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to boil. Add milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt until completely smooth.

  7. Spread hot glaze in an even layer over cake. Immediately sprinkle with crumb topping. Let cake stand at room temperature until glaze sets, about 15 minutes.

  8. Run a small offset spatula or a knife around outside of cake and use parchment lining to transfer cake to a cutting board. Cut into 12 triangles. Chill in an airtight container until ready to serve, up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

439 Calories
16g Fat
71g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 439
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 66mg 22%
Sodium 169mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 71g 26%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 47g
Protein 5g 9%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 233mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.