how to make Double Banana Cake

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional, chopped)
• For the Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
   
   In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Incorporate Bananas:
   
   Gently fold in the mashed bananas and walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. The batter will be thick and lumpy, which is perfect!
7. Bake the Cakes:
   
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes:
   
   Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter and Cream  Cheese:
   
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
   
   Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cakes:
   
   Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Add the Second Layer:
   
   Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate:
   
   For an extra touch, you can drizzle additional frosting on top, sprinkle chopped nuts, or add banana slices for decoration