Banoffee Snack Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 65 minutes

This snack cake is inspired by "banoffee," a British pie flavor that combines banana and toffee. In cake form, it starts with a dense, sweet banana base topped with a caramel glaze. After baking, the cake is covered with a caramel glaze made on the stovetop. While the glaze is initially liquid, it sets to a chewy, fudge-like consistency, adding a rich caramel flavor with each bite. The finishing touch is a layer of buttery shortbread crumbs, providing the perfect crunchy contrast. Slice the cake into squares for serving, and enjoy the moistness that bananas bring, keeping the cake fresh for days. While the whipped cream topping typically found on a banoffee pie is missing, feel free to add a dollop if you desire. It can take the cake to the next level.

Cooks Note: If you want an extra burst of caramel flavor, add caramel bits to the batter. These bits will melt into little pockets of sweetness as the cake bakes. You can find caramel bits in the baking aisle or online.

Ingredients

• 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 (optional)
• 3 ounces shortbread cookies
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and position a rack in the center. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-2 inch overhang. Coat the parchment paper with cooking spray as well.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until coarsely mashed. Add 6 tablespoons of melted butter and sour cream, mixing until fully combined. Whisk in 1 cup of brown sugar, then add the eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Gradually stir in the flour mixture using a silicone spatula, then fold in the caramel bits (if using). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched in the center. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 6: While the cake cools, prepare the crumb topping. Place the shortbread cookies in a large zip-top bag, seal the bag, and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies into coarse crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a dash of salt.

Step 7: For the caramel glaze, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to boil. Add the milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the confectioners sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until completely smooth.

Step 8: Spread the hot caramel glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with the prepared crumb topping. Let the cake stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Step 9: Run a small offset spatula or knife around the edge of the cake. Use the parchment paper to lift the cake from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the cake into 12 squares or triangles.

Step 10: Store the cake in an airtight at room temperature until ready to serve. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	439
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	66mg
Sodium	169mg
Total Carbohydrate	71g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	47g
Protein	5g
Vitamin C	3mg
Calcium	47mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	233mg

Banoffee Snack Cake is a delicious dessert that brings the beloved British "banoffee" pie into a new, easy-to-make format. This cake, inspired by the classic combination of banana and toffee, is a perfect treat for any occasion. Below, we dive into the history, regional variations, and unique qualities of this dessert, as well as some interesting facts that make it even more appealing.

History and Origin

The origins of "banoffee" pie date back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom. The pie was created by Nigel Mackenzie and Ian Dowding, owners of the Hungry Monk restaurant in East Sussex. Their experiment combined bananas and toffee, resulting in a pie that quickly became a British classic. The success of the pie led to the creation of many variations, with this snack cake being one of the most delightful adaptations. Instead of the traditional pie crust, the banoffee snack cake incorporates a dense banana cake topped with a rich caramel glaze and shortbread crumbs, offering a more portable and convenient way to enjoy this delicious flavor combination.

Regional Variations

While the banoffee pie is an iconic British dessert, the banoffee snack cake has been embraced internationally. The cake has been particularly popular in regions where British culinary traditions have had an influence, such as in former British colonies like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, the snack cake may have slight regional adaptations, depending on local ingredients. For example, some versions might include additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the banana cake, while others might use different types of cookies for the crumb topping, such as digestive biscuits or graham crackers.

What Makes It Different from Other Similar Desserts?

The banoffee snack cake stands out from other banana-based cakes or toffee desserts due to its unique combination of textures and flavors. Unlike traditional banana bread or banana cake, which can sometimes be dense or overly sweet, the banoffee snack cake achieves a delicate balance. The banana cake is moist but not overpowering, the caramel glaze adds a chewy richness, and the shortbread crumbs bring a satisfying crunch. This layered texture profile, combined with the signature banana-toffee flavor, makes it a distinctive and memorable treat compared to simpler banana cakes or toffee puddings.

Where is It Usually Served?

The banoffee snack cake is versatile and can be served at various occasions. In the UK, it is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert at afternoon tea. Its portability makes it a great choice for picnics, bake sales, or casual gatherings. The cake can also be served as a sweet treat after a hearty meal, offering a perfect balance to savory dishes. Given its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a favorite for mid-morning or afternoon breaks.

Interesting Facts

• The original "banoffee" pie was named by combining "banana" and "toffee"two simple yet iconic ingredients.
• Though this snack cake version skips the whipped cream topping traditionally found on the pie, it can be added for an extra indulgent treat.
• Caramel bits, a key ingredient in the cake batter, add little pockets of melted caramel that enhance the flavor with each bite.
• The banoffee snack cake stays moist for several days, thanks to the use of ripe bananas, making it an ideal dessert for meal prep or storing for later enjoyment.
• Bananas, the star ingredient, are packed with potassium, which gives this cake a small nutritional boost along with the indulgence!

Whether you're a fan of the classic banoffee pie or new to the flavor combination, this banoffee snack cake offers a delightful twist on a beloved British treat. With its rich caramel glaze, moist banana cake, and crunchy shortbread topping, it's sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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