Most Helpful Reviews:
- Baking a cake at a ridiculously low temperature (traditionally it’s 350 degrees), then putting a hot cake right out of the oven into the freezer? What? I was tempted to simply bake this in the traditional manner, 350 degrees until done, then let cool on a wire rack. But I noticed the submitter’s review, and she was so adamant about the unconventional baking temperature and cooling method that I thought to be fair to her I’d give it a try (especially since it was the rare occasion where I had enough room in the freezer for it). Well let me tell you, I don’t know if the cake would have turned out any differently had I baked it in the traditional manner, but this was one, outstanding banana cake! To tell you the truth, I was surprised. It is not uncommon for these types of cakes to be dry or not to be baked through. But this one has a soft outer crust, not overly browned, and a moist, tender interior. It was fun to give this unusual set of directions a try and I’m glad I did. Other than make a half recipe in an 8×8″ pan and adjusting the baking time accordingly, I followed the directions exactly and was not disappointed. Now that I’ve had the first piece I can’t wait to share it! The added perk was that because the cake is cooled in the freezer, you can bake and serve this in no time! The frosting is a tried and true cream cheese frosting, and topped with a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, this was just a simply delicious and beautiful cake.
- This is my recipe, the temperature is not a mistake in the directions. It is to bake at a slow rate to keep the cake moist. This recipe has been made by tons of friends of mine over and over, not one of them has had a problem with the directions, temperature, or the ingredients. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer, also use the correct size pan. It all makes a difference!!! Pyrex pans are freezer to oven…their claim to fame when first on the market…that dates me, I guess.
- To anyone reading this, do not hesitate to make this cake. I think the cooking temperature and placing it in the freezer after baking is what makes this cake outstanding. I myself made a couple of changes. 1.) I did not have buttermilk, so I used regular milk and added 1.5 tablespoons of vinegar to make it comparable to buttermilk. 2.) I had 4 large bananas so I used all of them, (I did not use lemon juice) 3) I used 2 cups of white sugar and 1/4c of brown sugar 4) I used about another additional tablespoon of vanilla. 5) I had to bake it a LOT, LOT longer than the recipe calls for. Every oven is different, so just keep checking it and don’t rush it. 6. I only used 2 cups of conf. sugar in the icing. Just add the sugar by the cup and check taste after every one and stop adding it when the flavor is the way you like it. It is worth the extra time. I know I could have won a cake cook-off with this one.
- This is my first banana cake and I followed the recipe exactly. Boy am I glad I did! This is so moist and delicious!!!! I topped it with 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts which is the only thing I would add. I was a bit skeptical about cooking a cake at 275 and then putting it in the freezer. I never heard of such a thing. Please follow the directions, you’ll be glad you did. For me it took 1 hour and 10 minutes until the toothpick came out clean. Maybe that’s where people are having trouble – taking the cake out of the oven before it’s done and then putting it in the freezer. I made the icing while the cake was cooling in the freezer. I topped it with the icing and nuts and then stuck it in the refrigerator to have after dinner. I will definitely make this again!
To Make this Recipe You’Il Need the following ingredients:
Bananas, mashed, ripe
Lemon juice
3 cups flour
Baking soda
Butter, softened
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Buttermilk
Frosting:
Butter, softened
Cream cheese, softened
Vanilla
Icing sugar
