Banana Cake

1Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

2Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (1 teaspoon), baking soda (½ teaspoon), and salt (½ teaspoon). Set aside.

3Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar (1 cup) until light and fluffy. Add the eggs (2 large), one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).

4Combining the Ingredients Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk (½ cup) to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

5Baking the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6Cooling the Cake Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

7Preparing the Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese (8 oz) and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar (4 cups), one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).

8Frosting the Cake Spread a generous amount of cream cheese (8 oz) frosting over the cooled cake. Decorate with fresh banana slices, if desired.

9Serve and Enjoy Slice and serve the delicious banana cake.