Layered Banana Cake with Cream and Nuts

 Ingredients

**For the Cake:**
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk

**For the Cream Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Topping:**
– 1 banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup granola (optional)

 Instructions

**For the Cake:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**For the Cream Filling:**
1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
2. Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

**Assembling the Cake:**
1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread half of the cream filling on top of one of the cakes.
2. Place the second cake on top of the filling and spread the remaining cream filling on top.
3. Garnish with banana slices, chopped nuts, and granola if desired.

Enjoy your delicious layered banana cake with cream and nuts!