These cakes are the ultimate treat this Easter. I have adapted my favourite banana cake recipe to make these easter nest cakes. I have  added toasted coconut and mini pastel easter eggs to fit in with the theme.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups mashed banana
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 tbsp hot milk
• 1 cup walnuts

To decorate

• 1/2 cup caramel, see recipe here
• 1 batch cream cheese icing, see recipe here
• chopped walnuts
• pastel easter eggs
• coconut thread and chips, lightly toasted

Method

Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease two 6-hole Texas* muffin trays. Line the bottom of trays and lightly grease trays. I use a little oil spray.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on a low speed until light and creamy. Slowly add sugar and continue to beat on a low speed until light in colour and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and making sure to incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. With the mixer on low speed add the banana.

Dissolve baking soda in hot milk. Fold flour and milk mixture into the banana mixture in three batches. Lastly fold in the walnuts.

Divide mixture evenly between the prepared cake tins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops spring back and a skewer comes out clean.

Let them completely cool in tins before turning them out.

Carefully cut the small cakes in half horizontally . To assemble layer a tablespoon of cream cheese icing on each bottom followed by a teaspoon of caramel. Next put the tops on and dollop another tablespoon or so of cream cheese icing on the top. Smooth out then sprinkle the toasted coconut over the top. Place walnut pieces around the outside and drops of caramel. Lastly place your pastel easter eggs on top.

Happy Easter.

Makes 12 mini cakes.

Recipe adapted from Treats from Little & Friday’s Cafe.

 

*You can find Texas muffin trays at most homeware/baking stores.