Copycat Banana Twins Recipe

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Banana Twins recipe replicates the delightful snack cake that many people adore. The banana-flavored cake is soft and moist, perfectly complementing the rich and creamy vanilla frosting sandwiched between the layers. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also offers a nostalgic twist, bringing the flavor of a classic snack cake straight to your kitchen. It’s a fun and easy recipe that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing friends and family at your next gathering.

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons banana extract
• 1 ¼ cups cake flour*
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 ounces buttermilk

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan with nonstick baking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
3. Add in the eggs and banana extract, mixing until the batter becomes thick and a pale yellow color.
4. Sift the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together before adding them to the batter. Gradually pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until fully combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, tapping lightly to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 17-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully flip the cake out onto a wax paper-lined tray and allow it to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat together the butter, salt, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add in the heavy cream and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Increase the mixer speed and beat until light and fluffy.
8. Flip the cooled cake over onto another tray. Cut the cake in half horizontally. Spread the frosting on one half of the cake, then place the other half on top.
9. Cut the filled cake in half again, and then slice each section into 5 small cakes, making a total of 10 mini cakes.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 10 cakes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes

Variations

• Flavoring: You can experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to give your cakes a twist. For an added burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
• Frosting: If you want a richer frosting, you can swap the heavy whipping cream for mascarpone cheese, which will add a slightly tangy flavor.
• Cake Texture: If you prefer a more substantial cake, you could substitute part of the cake flour with all-purpose flour for a denser texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Banana Twins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: These cakes freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheating: To enjoy your Banana Twins warm, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low-heat oven for a few minutes to soften the frosting and warm the cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour, but your cake may turn out slightly denser. If using all-purpose flour, measure carefully to avoid adding too much.

2. Is banana extract necessary for this recipe?

Yes, banana extract is important for providing that distinct banana flavor. If you don’t have it, you could try using mashed ripe bananas, but the texture may change.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

You can use margarine, but the taste and texture may vary slightly. Butter gives the cake a richer, more flavorful result.

4. What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I make a substitute?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk until you reach 5 ounces. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.

6. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Spraying the pan generously with nonstick baking spray should help prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra assurance.

7. Can I add other fillings to the cakes?

Yes! You could add fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or even peanut butter for a fun twist. Just be sure to adjust the amount to suit your taste.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.

9. Can I make these into larger cakes instead of mini cakes?

You can certainly make a larger cake by using a 9×13-inch pan instead of a smaller one. You’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly (around 25-30 minutes).

10. How can I make these cakes even more decadent?

You can drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the cakes or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

This Copycat Banana Twins recipe is the perfect way to bring back the nostalgia of your favorite snack cake with a homemade touch. The moist, banana-flavored cake paired with creamy vanilla frosting is sure to become a new favorite treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as an everyday snack, these cakes are a delicious and fun option that will please everyone.

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