Banana Snacking Cake with Salted Caramel Glaze

1. Prepare the Cake Pan

Preheat the oven to the baking temperature and grease a 9-by-9-inch pan with butter. Fit a piece of parchment paper inside for easy release after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and fine salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend the mashed bananas, melted unsalted butter, sour cream, dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Make the Batter

Gently mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined to keep the cake tender and light.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack before glazing.

7. Make the Salted Caramel Glaze

Melt the unsalted butter with dark brown sugar, heavy cream, and a large pinch of fine sea salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar to create a smooth glaze.

8. Glaze and Finish the Cake

Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before serving.