Double Decker Banana Cream Cake
Nancy Butcher, baker and cook
Nutcracker Family Restaurant
Pataskala, Ohio
The Nutcracker Family Restaurant is a 1950s-style diner, and that vibe extends to the dessert menu. Cook and baker Nancy Butcher creates homestyle desserts like this banana cream cake, but sources products that shorten prep time without sacrificing the made-from-scratch taste and appearance. The cake was a regional winner in the Neighborhood to Nation recipe contest that celebrates local independent restaurants across the U.S.
Ingredients
Cake
4 cups very ripe mashed bananas
6 cups cool water, divided
1 box (5 lb.) yellow cake mix
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. banana extract
Filling
5 cups cold milk
2 tsp. banana extract
1½ cups vanilla pudding mix
6 cups prepared whipped topping
Garnish
6 cups prepared whipped topping
1½ cups caramel sauce
Steps
1. For cake: In mixer bowl with paddle attachment, combine bananas and 3 cups water. Add cake mix, cinnamon and banana extract; mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add remaining 3 cups water, beating at low speed and occasionally scraping bowl and paddle. Mix at low speed 2 minutes longer.
3. Line two half sheet pans with parchment and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Divide cake batter between the two pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes in 350 F standard oven or 27 to 32 minutes in 300 F convection oven or until cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
4. For filling: In mixer bowl fitted with whisk attachment, combine milk, banana extract and pudding mix. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Stop mixer, scrape bowl and whisk. Continue beating at medium speed for 1 minute.
5. Add 6 cups whipped topping; mix on low speed 1 minute. Cover filling and store in refrigerator until needed.
6. Trim ¼-inch off sides of cakes; cut each cake into 6 by 4-inch pieces to create 24 pieces each.
To serve, place 1 piece of cake onto individual serving plate; top with ½ cup filling and a second piece of cake. Garnish with a swirl of whipped topping and drizzle with 1 tablespoon caramel sauce. Serve immediately.
Photograph courtesy of General Mills Convenience & Foodservice