Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease and flour 3 - 6 inch cake pans.

Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Beat in mashed bananas.

In a small bowl, sift together flour and baking soda.

Gradually add flour mixture to batter, alternating with milk.

Spread mixture evenly into prepared pans.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely on wire rack.

For the filling, in a medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and whipping cream until soft peaks form.

To serve the cake

Add filling to one layer, top with second layer and add more filling.

For top layer, add filling, sliced banana and chopped pecans.

Drizzle with caramel sauce