This sensational three-layer cake features top and bottom banana cake layers, topped with a luscious buttercream frosting and sliced bananas and a center chocolate cake layer topped with the frosting and sliced strawberries, and last...but not least, frosted top and sides with the frosting and a garnish of crushed pineapple.

Triple-Layered Banana Cake

1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon black walnut flavoring (or vanilla extract) 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons cocoa 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 small)
Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 (16-ounce) packages powdered sugar 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 small bananas, sliced 8 strawberries, sliced
Garnish: drained crushed pineapple (optional)

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended. Stir in flavoring.
Combine flour, soda, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat until blended. Remove 2 1/2 cups batter.
Stir together 2 1/2 cups batter, cocoa, and vanilla; pour into 1 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.
Stir 1 cup banana into remaining batter; pour evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
Bake layers at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze 1 hour.
For Buttercream Frosting: Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Add milk and vanilla, beating until blended. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Makes 5 cups frosting.
To Assemble: Spread 1 banana layer with Buttercream Frosting; arrange banana slices on top. Top with chocolate layer, and spread with frosting; top with strawberries. Top with remaining banana layer; spread top and sides with frosting. Garnish with crushed pineapple, if desired.

Makes 1 (3-layer) cake.