Banana Cake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 1/2 cups bananas, mashed, ripe.
02 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
03 - 3 cups flour.
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 - 3/4 cup butter, softened.
07 - 2 1/8 cups sugar.
08 - 3 large eggs.
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla.
10 - 1 1/2 cups buttermilk.
11 - 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting).
12 - 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (for frosting).
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting).
14 - 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (for frosting).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
02 - In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and 2 1/8 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
05 - Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla.
06 - Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in the banana mixture.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Remove the cake from the oven and place it directly into the freezer for 45 minutes to ensure it stays very moist.
09 - For the frosting, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add the icing sugar and beat on low speed until combined, then on high speed until the frosting is smooth.
10 - Spread the frosting on the cooled cake.
11 - Sprinkle chopped walnuts or decorative hearts over the top of the frosting, if desired.

Notes:

01 - This recipe makes a moist and flavorful banana cake that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
02 - The unique step of freezing the cake immediately after baking ensures it stays exceptionally moist.