In trying to devise a name for this cake we initially called it ‘fruit salad cake’ because of the different fruits that add their flavours, however, we decided ultimately to hero banana. To maximise their taste you will need bananas with skins beginning to blacken and flesh soften.
Grease a deep 22cm round cake pan; line base and side with two layers of baking paper, extending paper 5cm over side. Pour mixture into the pan; smooth the surface.
To make passionfruit buttercream, beat butter and cream cheese in a small bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in sifted icing sugar and passionfruit pulp until mixture is well combined and fluffy.
Holding a serrated knife horizontally, trim the top of cake to level. Using a ruler as a guide, make two small horizontal cuts, one-third and two-thirds of the way up the side of cake. Using the cut marks as a guide, cut to split cake into three equal layers
Place the top layer of the cake upside down on a plate. Using an offset spatula, spread 2/3 cup of the buttercream over the cake. Repeat layering with cake and buttercream, finishing with remaining buttercream.
Ingredients
Passionfruit Frosting
Method
1.Preheat oven to 170°C/150°C fan. Grease 2 x 20cm round cake pans, line base and side with baking paper.
2.Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add egg, beating after each addition. On low speed add coconut then flour and coconut cream in two batches. Add mashed banana, beat until combined.
3.Divide the mixture evenly between pans, smooth the surface. Bake cakes for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool cakes in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.
4.Make passionfruit frosting using the method below.
5.Trim the cakes if not level. Split cakes into 2 equal layers. Place the top cake layer upside down onto a cake stand or serving platter. Spread with ⅔ cup of the passionfruit frosting. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and frosting. Generously cover the top of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing around the side to create a smudged effect. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6.Just before serving, decorate the top of the cake with sliced banana, flaked coconut and passionfruit pulp.
Passionfruit frosting
7.Beat butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in icing sugar; then, on low speed, fold in passionfruit pulp.
Cake layers can be made a day ahead; wrap each in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. You could add finely grated lemon rind to the frosting, if desired.
