BANANA LAYER CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Lightly butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides; dust pans with flour.
• Combine cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl.
• Mix mashed bananas, buttermilk and 1 teaspoon vanilla in another medium bowl.
• Using electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter and sugar in large bowl until blended.
• Add eggs 1 at a time, beating to blend after each addition.
• Add dry ingredients alternately with banana mixture in 3 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients and beating just until blended after each addition.
• Divide batter equally among prepared pans.
• Bake cakes until tops are just beginning to color and tester inserted into center comes out with a few crumbs attached, about 20 minutes.
• Cool cakes in pans on racks 10 minutes.
• Using small knife, cut around cakes to loosen; turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely.
• Beat cream cheese and remaining 1 cup butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Beat in remaining 1 tablespoon vanilla and pinch of salt.
• Gradually beat in powdered sugar.
• Cover and refrigerate frosting until firm enough to spread, about 15 minutes.
• Place 1 cake layer on platter.
• Spread 1/2 cup frosting over top.
• Place half of sliced bananas evenly over frosting, leaving 1/4-inch border at edge.
• Place second cake layer on work surface.
• Spread 1/4 cup frosting over top.
• Place cake layer, frosting side down, atop bananas.
• Spread 1/2 cup frosting over top.
• Place remaining half of sliced bananas evenly over frosting, leaving 1/4-inch border at edge.
• Place third cake layer on work surface.
• Spread 1/4 cup frosting over top.
• Place cake layer, frosting side down, atop bananas.
• Spread remaining frosting over sides and top of cake. (Can be made 1 day ahead.
• Cover and chill.
• Let stand 1 hour at room temperature before serving.).