Old- Fashioned Banana Cake

One afternoon while my husband was on his way back from climbing a mountain (he'd started the night before at midnight- crazy man!)- I thought I would surprise him with one of his favorite things upon his return- banana bread. But instead of the traditional banana bread- I decided to give Ms. Ina Garten's sweeter version a try- old fashioned banana cake. And oh my goodness I'm so glad I did... because it is now one of my favorite things too.

Because Danny had taken my camera for the climb, I used the camera on my phone for these photos. They're nothing special- but it was kind of fun using some of the camera apps I downloaded forever ago and had never used... you'll see...

Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 2 cups all- purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (if you please... I did not)
• Cream Cheese frosting (homemade or store bought)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 2- inch round cake pan.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the bananas...

granulated sugar...

and brown sugar on low speed until combined.

With the mixer still on low, add the oil and eggs...

sour cream...

vanilla...

and orange zest. Mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts now if you please

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely.

Spread the frosting thickly on top of the cake. And enjoy...

Recipe from Barefoot Contessa's How Easy Is That?