Banana and Caramel Cake

Preheat the oven to 160˚C. fan bake. 

Cake: Beat the butter, both sugars and the orange zest until light and pale.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each one. 

Beat in the bananas. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder together. 

Dissolve the baking soda in the hot milk and add to the banana mixture along with the dry ingredients. Gently but thoroughly fold together then divide evenly between the two tins. 

Smooth the tops and bake for about 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre, comes out clean. 

Cool the cakes completely in the tins. 

To assemble: Place one cake on a serving plate. Put half of the cream cheese icing in a separate bowl. Stir in half of the caramel then spread evenly over the cake. 

Place the second cake on top and spread with the remaining icing. Spoon the remaining caramel over the icing and swirl together with the tip of a knife. Sprinkle with almonds if using. The unfilled cakes will keep for 3 days in an airtight container. Makes 1 cake.

Beat the butter for a couple of minutes then add the cream cheese and beat until light and fluffy. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract and beat for 1 minute.

Chill for 30 minutes if the mixture is very soft. The icing will keep for 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge.