Inspired by the classic British banoffee pie, this Banoffee Snack Cake brings together the nostalgic flavors of banana and toffee in an irresistible dessert. The banana cake base is moist and dense, offering just the right sweetness. Topped with a caramel glaze that’s both chewy and buttery, this cake is crowned with a layer of shortbread crumbs for a delightful crunch. This Banoffee Snack Cake is ideal for anyone who loves rich, sweet flavors without the fuss of a layered cake. The blend of caramel, banana, and shortbread brings a touch of indulgence to any table, making it perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or even a casual brunch. It’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Banana Cake:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Shortbread Topping:
- 1/2 cup shortbread cookies, crushed
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, and melted butter. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly.
- Make the Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, then add cream, stirring until smooth. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour caramel glaze over the cake while still warm. Sprinkle crushed shortbread on top, gently pressing to adhere. Allow glaze to set before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
A Modern Take on Classic British Flavors
The Banoffee Snack Cake brings together the beloved flavors of banana and toffee—a classic combination that originated in Britain with the creation of Banoffee pie. Traditionally, Banoffee pie layers bananas, toffee, whipped cream, and sometimes chocolate in a crust. This recipe is an homage to that dessert, transforming it into a more convenient, snackable cake that carries the same beloved flavors in a new form. By blending mashed bananas directly into the cake batter, this dessert achieves a natural sweetness and a rich, moist texture, while the toffee-like caramel glaze adds depth and complexity with its slight chewiness.
Why Snack Cakes Are So Popular
The popularity of snack cakes has surged in recent years, especially as people seek out comfort foods that are also easy to make at home. Unlike a layer cake that requires meticulous frosting and assembly, a snack cake is a straightforward, single-layer dessert that feels both casual and indulgent. The Banoffee Snack Cake fits this description perfectly; it’s a cozy treat that can be enjoyed with little fuss, whether for a family dessert or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. This format appeals to busy bakers and dessert lovers alike, offering the flavors of a rich dessert without the need for elaborate preparation or plating.
Taste and Texture: What Makes Banoffee Snack Cake Stand Out
The taste and texture of the Banoffee Snack Cake are what truly make it memorable. Bananas are the base, providing not only sweetness but also a pleasant moisture that keeps the cake soft and dense. Because ripe bananas are inherently sweet, this recipe can use less refined sugar, allowing the banana flavor to shine through. The caramel glaze, which is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, sets into a slightly chewy layer that balances the cake’s softness with a hint of fudge-like consistency.
The crunchy shortbread topping brings in a third layer of texture, adding a buttery, crumbly finish that complements the cake’s moist interior and the glaze’s chewiness. The blend of these textures—soft banana cake, sticky caramel glaze, and crispy topping—creates a dessert that’s both complex and satisfying in each bite.
The Versatility and Adaptability of Banoffee Snack Cake
This snack cake is incredibly versatile, lending itself to modifications based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few popular ways to adjust this recipe:
- Add Extra Mix-Ins: To enhance the caramel flavor, small caramel bits can be folded into the batter, which will melt during baking into pockets of sweetness. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can also be added for an extra crunch.
- Adjust the Glaze: For a more indulgent glaze, a pinch of sea salt can be added to the caramel to create a salted caramel glaze. This twist amplifies the sweetness of the banana and adds a new flavor layer.
- Make It Dairy-Free or Vegan: Swapping out the butter for coconut oil and the heavy cream for coconut cream in the glaze yields a deliciously rich flavor without any dairy, making this cake suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests.
Storage Tips: Keep Your Snack Cake Fresh
This Banoffee Snack Cake stores well, thanks to the moisture in the bananas. Here are a few tips for keeping it fresh:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a couple of days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to a week. The caramel glaze might harden slightly in the fridge, but bringing the cake to room temperature before serving restores its original texture.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices will keep well for up to 2-3 months and can be defrosted at room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave.
Seasonal Appeal: Perfect for Fall Gatherings
This cake’s flavors of caramel and banana make it ideal for cooler seasons, especially fall and winter gatherings when people crave warm, comforting desserts. With its balance of sweetness, a hint of spice from the caramel glaze, and the nuttiness of the shortbread crumble, the Banoffee Snack Cake fits seamlessly into holiday tables as a modern yet familiar dessert. It’s also versatile enough for a casual treat, perfect for cozy afternoons spent indoors.
Presentation Tips
While Banoffee Snack Cake looks inviting on its own, a few simple presentation touches can elevate it for a special occasion:
- Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Just like traditional Banoffee pie, a small amount of whipped cream on top makes the cake extra indulgent.
- Serve with Fresh Banana Slices or Caramel Drizzle: For a beautiful presentation, top each slice with fresh banana slices and a light caramel drizzle before serving.
- Garnish with Crumbled Shortbread Cookies: Adding extra crumbled shortbread cookies on top right before serving gives the cake an elegant, rustic look and a satisfying crunch.
Conclusion: Why Banoffee Snack Cake Is a Must-Try
The Banoffee Snack Cake offers everything a dessert lover could want: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and has a delightful texture. The blend of banana and caramel in this cake honors the classic British dessert in a way that’s approachable and perfect for the modern baker. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight treat or served at a family gathering, this cake will satisfy with its warm, comforting flavors and textures. For those who enjoy experimenting, it’s a recipe that can be personalized endlessly, making it a dessert staple that’s both versatile and timeless.