Recipe Corner: "The Southern Fried Bride's Half Moon Layer Cake"

I had so much fun when I recently delved into creating a recipe that was an homage to one of my favorite Southern treats: banana MoonPies. My "Half Moon Layer Cake" is another of my tributes to his time-honored treat. I quested to create a cake that channels the classic banana MoonPie ingredients of marshmallow, graham cracker and banana. This cake has The Southern Fried Husband's Official Seal of Approval. He took the first bite and his response was "Wow!". This would make a wonderful celebration cake for all of life's special moments.    

"The Southern Fried Bride's Half Moon Layer Cake"

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon banana extract

3 large eggs

2 medium bananas, mashed

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour


1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. In large bowl, add flour and baking powder. Combine well and set aside. In separate large bowl, beat softened butter with mixer until light and creamy. Gradually add sugar, a small amount at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl before each addition. Beat for about 1 minute after each addition. Add banana extract to mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping sides of the bowl. Add bananas and mix until well-combined. Slowly add flour mixture in thirds to creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until blended. Spoon batter into baking pans, spreading evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick in center of cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. As cake cools, prepare frosting.

"Half Moon Marshmallow Frosting"

1 1/3 cups butter, softened


1 (7 oz.) container marshmallow creme

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2  teaspoons milk

2 2/3 cups powdered sugar

1 cup crushed graham crackers

Blend butter and marshmallow creme together until well-blended. Add vanilla extract and blend until combined. Add powdered sugar and mix 6-7 minutes until smooth and creamy. If thinner frosting is desired, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of milk to mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in crushed graham crackers. Frost cooled cake. Enjoy!