This recipe came from a dear friend and sister in Christ, who first wowed us with it at a Lighthouse Ladies Meeting. It was so ridiculously good that my family now treats it like the eighth wonder of the world. I hope it brings as much joy (and crumbs) to your life as it does to ours!

Make the cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 ripe bananas (no green ones), mashed
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans with parchment paper or wax paper. I prefer wax paper, but either option works.

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the eggs, oil, and milk in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add the cake mix and blend thoroughly. Then, add the mashed bananas and mix just until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Let the cakes cool on a wire rack before removing them from the pans.

Make the frosting:

• 1 – 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoon maple flavoring
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream

Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the maple flavoring, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, gradually add heavy whipping cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Put it together:

Start by placing one cake layer face down on a plate, like flipping a pancake. Generously cover it with frosting. Carefully place the second layer on top, this time face up. Now have fun frosting the top and sides, but take your time—there’s no need to turn your cake into a frosting disaster by hurrying!

Caramel Sauce (optional)

• 1 stick butter, sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 small can evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a small saucepan combine first 4 ingredients, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour over individual pieces of cake if you wish.

Happy Baking!