My mother was a great baker. She would whip out cakes faster and easier than anyone I know. At the time I was growing up this is a fact that went unappreciated by me.
However, now that I have been enjoying baking for many years, I have come to realize that the ease with which she could produce one of her delicious cakes is something to marvel at.
Her repertoire included mile high sponge and chiffon cakes, apple cakes, coffee cakes, her special chocolate cake, and her Banana Sour Cream Cake, among others.
One of my fondest memories of growing up was coming home from school, opening the backdoor and finding to my delight a freshly baked cake cooling on the kitchen table. With four children, my father and a house to care for, while being very involved with community and synagogue activities, somehow my mom was always able to provide us with a delicious home cooked meal and there was always cake.
A friend of mine from Chicago whom I had given this recipe to over 20 years ago recently connected with me through facebook, and mentioned that she still makes my Mom’s Banana Sour Cream Cake, and that she always receives compliments on it.
So it’s time I share this one with you…
Mom’s Banana Sour Cream Cake
Ingredients:
¼ cup(½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 and 1/3 cup sugar
2 large or extra large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 and ¾ cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
½ cup chopped nuts (I like walnuts)
Directions:
Butter and flour a 13 by 9 inch baking pan.
Mash bananas with a fork and set aside.
Cream butter with electric mixer; gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream.
Add bananas and nuts just til blended.
Turn into buttered pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
Simple, but simply wonderful!
Note: Many frostings will complement this cake very well. I made a simple vanilla buttercream frosting on the cake shown here.
Or try a chocolate, mocha, coffee, or peanut butter buttercream, or a cream cheese frosting. It’s all good!