Classic Banana Cake

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20cm) square cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3.In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4.Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5.Mix in the mashed bananas until combined.

6.Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the banana mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

7.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8.Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9.Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.