Dear Lykkers! If you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, you can’t go wrong with a banana cake. It’s super easy to make and packs a ton of flavor thanks to ripe bananas.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is always a hit. Plus, it’s great with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

Instructions:

1.Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2.Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creates a smooth base for your cake.

3.Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in each egg separately, making sure it's well combined before adding the next. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

4.Combine dry ingredients: Use a separate bowl to whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the cake.

5.Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas and buttermilk. The bananas should be fully mashed, with no large chunks, to ensure even flavor and texture.

6.Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the banana mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.

7.Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8.Cool and frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting, or enjoy it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for Frosting:

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract until it is completely blended.

Spread this frosting generously over your cooled banana cake for a decadent finish!

Lykkers, what do you think after trying out this delicious banana cake recipe? Did it turn out as amazing as you hoped?