Who says a layer cake has to be made with layers OF cake? This over-the-top cake is made by stacking chocolate chip waffles with a peanut butter frosting and salted caramel bananas. This may seem like a kids’ cake, but I have witnessed mature adults turn into puddles of giddiness as they dive into a slice of this cake.
Related: These Waffle Recipes Will Make You Jump Right Out of Bed
Gooey Chocolate Chip Waffle Cake With Salted Caramel Bananas and Peanut Butter Frosting
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes per waffle
Total Time: 34 minutes
Servings: 12
Related: The Best-Ever Cake Recipes From Anna Olson
Ingredients
Waffles
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp fine salt
3 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (warm is OK)
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Filling:
2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup peanut butter (conventional or pure)
1 cup icing sugar
3 Tbsp whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Bananas:
1 cup Salted Butter Caramel Sauce
4 large bananas sliced
Salted Caramel Sauce:
¼ cup water
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream
½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tsp flaked sea salt
Related: Watch More Irresistible Baking Recipes from Anna Olson
Directions
1. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined (but a few lumps are OK). Whisk in the melted butter and then stir in the mini chocolate chips.
2. Heat your waffle iron following manufacturer’s instructions. Have two baking trays with cooling racks placed on top, on hand. Lightly grease the iron and ladle on enough batter to fill the waffle pattern once closed (it may take sacrificing one for practice). Cook until a rich golden brown (cook time may vary, depending on the iron) and remove to cool on the rack. Repeat until all of the batter has been used.
3. For the filling, use electric beaters or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat the cream cheese on medium high speed until fluffy. Add the peanut butter and beat in well, scraping the bowl as needed. Add the icing sugar and beat in (start at low speed until combined). The mixture might seem tight at this point – add the cream and vanilla and it will smooth out.
4. For the bananas, heat the caramel slightly to soften it (but not to warm it) and toss the bananas to coat.
5. To assemble the cake, place a cooled waffle on a cake stand or platter. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter filling overtop and arrange a single layer of bananas (dripping caramel as well) over this. Top with the next waffle and repeat until you have 4 waffles stacked. Finish the top with a dollop of peanut butter filling, spreading it but not all the way to the edges and top with the remaining bananas. Use a spoon to drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the edges, to drip appealingly. Chill the waffle cake until ready to serve.
Related: Anna Olson’s Maple Bacon Waffle Cake
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