by Robin Moynihan

Created on: November 29, 2008   Last Updated: April 09, 2011

Banana Frosted Banana Nut Cake

When I was about 9 years old I tasted my first Banana Cake. We had recently moved back to my mother's hometown and had stopped in to see my Aunt. Sitting on her kitchen table was a rather plain looking sandy colored cake carelessly slathered in a butter cream frosting. Not being impressed by its looks I opted for "just a little, please". I regretted those words as soon as the first moist bite hit my tongue. I thought it was Bubble Gum flavored and was surprised at being told it was a Banana Cake.

Sadly my mother didn't get the recipe and I had to settle for Banana Bread which was a poor replacement in my young estimation. It would be many years before I would be reunited with a true Banana Cake, 15 years to be exact. My new mother-in-law had given me an extra cookbook she had, and there in the cake section was a Banana Cake recipe. I had to modify it to get the remembered taste but it is now a favorite of most everyone who tastes it.

~The Prep Work:

The first thing that you will need to do is peel and freeze three large very ripe (for that bubble gum flavor) or less ripe (for a more banana flavor) bananas. This creates a very moist cake and cuts down on the milk needed. Thaw then separate the bananas from the juice. Reserve 3 T of the juice for the frosting and put remaining juice in a liquid (glass) measuring cup adding milk to bring it up to 2/3 of a cup. Grease (not oil) and lightly flour bottom only of a 13x9-inch pan. Set oven to 350*F.

~The Ingredients; in a large bowl add:

*1 c. thawed banana

*2/3 c. milk/banana juice mixture

*2/3 c. softened butter

*1 T. vinegar

Blend well, then add:

*2 c. flour

*1 2/3 c. sugar

*1 t. baking powder

*1 t. baking soda

*1 t. salt

Blend until moist then beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.

Add:

*2 eggs

Beat for another 2 minutes. Fold in:

*1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Pour into prepared pan and bake 35 to 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely then frost with Banana Cream Frosting below.

~The Frosting;

*1 stick softened butter

*1 lb. powdered sugar

*2 to 3 T. thawed banana

*1 t. vanilla extract

*pinch of salt

In a large bowl, cream the butter. Add the remaining ingredients beating until smooth and adding extra sugar if too thin or milk if too thick. Spread on cooled cake.

This cake will not get stale; for every time you pass it you are sure to snitch a piece or two.

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