Chunky Monkey Brownies -One Ripe Banana Recipe

I grabbed a quick pic of these Chunky Monkey Brownies just so I could share the idea with Ma after the holidays, didn't plan to post it, but here we are... Super simple, just substitute the oil with mashed banana and top them with salted roasted peanuts. Trust me folks, the salt really makes these brownies pop with flavor:@) This is another great way to use up that one ripe banana on the counter. What if it's a smaller one and it doesn't fill the 1/3 cup? Top it off with the oil. Easy-peasy. These brownies were thoroughly enjoyed by my crew at dinner. I do think they are best eaten the day made, but doubt that will be an issue!

Chunky Monkey Brownies from Mix

8x8 brownie mix

Plus ingredients called for, except...

1. Fill measuring cup for oil with mashed banana. Top with oil if needed to fill cup.
2. Mix brownies, pour batter into 8x8 baking dish.
3. Rough chop as many dry roasted salted peanuts as desired, sprinkle on batter.
4. Bake per package instructions.
5. Cool and serve.

Enjoy a treat and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Chunky Monkey One Ripe Banana Muffins -Use it up...

If we buy bananas we know one thing for sure, they can ripen quickly. And as Halloween approaches, we also might have some leftover candy to use up... May I suggest a small (or large) batch of Chunky Monkey One Ripe Banana Muffins. They are surprisingly good and call for minimal ingredients. The banana simply gets mashed with a fork, and I mixed the batter with that fork too. Paper cupcake liners help make clean-up easy. This is a nice recipe to use up that last one ripe banana folks:@)

This is a variation of two recipes previously posted, One Banana Muffins and Chunky Monkey Jiffy Mix Corn Muffins. Even easier, buy a banana muffin mix and add a peanut butter cup:@)

Speaking of monkeys...

I bought a new coffee mug for the office:@)

Yep, that about sums things up.

One Ripe Banana Chunky Monkey Muffins

One large banana

1/4 C sugar

1 egg

2 1/2 Tblsp butter, melted

1/2 C A/P flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch salt-optional -I used salted butter instead

One unwrapped miniature peanut butter cup for each muffin

1. Mash banana in medium bowl.
2. Stir in sugar, egg and butter.
3. Add flour and baking powder, mix well.
4. Pour into paper lined muffin tin. Plan on about 5-6 muffins.
5. Add peanut butter cup to each muffin, slightly push down.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool and enjoy!

Let's use it up and 

Have a Happy Day:@)

Jiffy Mix Chunky Monkey Corn Muffins -One Banana Recipe

What's that old saying, necessity is the mother of invention? Yea, that:@) I had one overripe banana that I wanted to use up, happened to have a Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, wa-la... Jiffy Mix Chunky Monkey Corn Muffins. Fun stuff folks. Kids especially will love these, they are sweet and gooey while warm, and all things yummy any time. Is this breakfast food? Um, maybe on your birthday??? Ha, they are just a tasty, any time, snack for a break with a cuppa. 

And you might want to tuck this easy idea away for leftover Halloween or Christmas candy, just in case...

Jiffy Mix Chunky Monkey Corn Muffins

8 oz Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1 large ripe banana, mashed

1/2 C milk or half and half

1/4 tsp vanilla

1 mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, un-wrapped, for each muffin

1. Mix Jiffy, banana, milk, and vanilla until combined.
2. Line muffin tin with papers.
3. Fill papers about 1/3 with batter. Add peanut butter cup to center and gently push down until the top is just about flush with the batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until muffins are set.
5. Remove to rack and cool a bit before eating.
6. Makes about 8 muffins.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Banana Nut Waffles -Bisquick Recipe

These Banana Nut Waffles are very good, and perfect with maple syrup. It's a Bisquick recipe that's pretty fail-proof. And while they call for adding minced nuts into the batter, I opted to toast them and sprinkle larger chopped nuts on top. Good stuff folks:@) I'm still working on getting 'the feel' for exactly how much batter I need to use per waffle... Getting close though! 

You know you want some:@)

Banana Nut Waffles-from Betty Crocker

2 C Bisquick

1 C mashed ripe banana

1 C milk

1/4 C finely chopped walnuts or pecans-I toasted and sprinkled mine on top instead

2 Tblsp vegetable oil

1 egg

1. Heat waffle iron, grease/spray it if that's what you do. My plates are still pretty new and non-stick.
2. Stir ingredients, pour onto waffle maker.
3. Close lid and cook until steaming stops, or per waffle maker instructions.
4. Serve with syrup, sliced bananas, powered sugar, etc.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Healthier Coffee Break Loaded Oatmeal & Whole Wheat Cookies

I'm always looking for a munchie around 9AM with my coffee at work. And honestly, some of my choices just aren't the best... So I decided to try to make a better-for-me cookie, and while still a sweet treat, these Healthier Oatmeal and Whole Wheat Cookies make a snack I feel better about eating:@) They are loaded with walnuts and raisins, and if you have some dark chocolate chips on-hand, yep, toss some in too. This is another recipe to help use up one ripe banana, and my next batch will use applesauce. Good stuff folks!

There is a nice slightly crisp bite with soft centers out of the oven,

the outsides will soften up a bit in the airtight container.

Healthier Oatmeal Cookies with Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 C butter, softened

1/2 C brown sugar, light or dark, whichever you have

1/4 C mashed banana or applesauce-this batch was banana

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1 C whole wheat flour-I used white whole wheat for this batch

1 C old fashioned oatmeal

1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch salt-optional

1 1/2 C add ins-I used walnuts, raisins and a couple Tblsp semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Beat butter and brown sugar, mix in banana, vanilla and egg.
2. Add flour, oatmeal and baking soda, mix well. Scrape down bowl.
3. Stir in nuts, raisins and chocolate chips (or whatever add-in's you're using).
4. Drop by spoonful onto cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Cool for a few minutes on baking sheet, add to cooling rack.
7. Store in airtight container.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

Healthier Oatmeal and Banana Waffles -A One Ripe Banana Recipe

I'll be the first to admit that I love kitchen toys, and have owned... Most of them. But one thing I've always looked at but passed on was a mini-waffle maker. You know the ones, they make one individual waffle at a time. Well, the holiday designs were $5 the day after Christmas at Walmart, so I grabbed the snowman figuring it would be good all winter, and then I can use the side with squares for the rest of the year. The first thing I made were these Oatmeal and Banana Waffles. I liked that I could use up one ripe banana, I'm always looking for more ways to use oatmeal, and that the batter didn't call for any additional sugar. For my pictures I dusted them with powdered sugar, but would definitely serve them with a sweeter syrup. Now, I'm not a waffle expert folks, but I will say upfront, these will not be crispy. Kinda more like ~really cute~ pancakes... I'm ok with that:@)

The recipe below will make approximately 3 of these 5" size waffles.

It's easily increased.

I can already see that the amount of batter per waffle is more of a "feel"

rather than a measurement.

I'll address that in a later post,

after I've played with the waffle iron a little more.

I'm impressed with the non-stick coating on the iron, it worked well:@)

Oatmeal and Banana Waffles-from somewhere down the rabbit hole of Pinterest...

1/2 C oatmeal-I used old fashioned oats

1 banana

1 egg

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Add all to blender, mix until smooth.
2. Pour onto preheated waffle iron.
3. Cook until baked through, per your waffle iron instructions.
4. Serve with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, etc...

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Year End Review 2022 -Happier Than A Pig In Mud

Happy New Year Everyone! I wanted to pop in with a few favorite things from 2022, just a quick recap... Without a doubt, my favorite project this year was setting up the new Raised Bed Garden. I loved watching it grow and we thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of vegetables! It was nice to have enough to be able to share too:@) I've added an extra bed further out for zucchini and maybe one more type of squash this summer. I'm looking forward to Jan/Feb planning and sketching out what to grow in 2023. That will be a fun winter project.

I've still maintained a consistent blogging schedule here at PIM.

Hard to believe we're coming into year 13:@)

My personal favorite new recipe this year:

Chicken & Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach and Bacon in Garlic Cream Sauce

The most popular reader recipe from 2022:

One Ripe Banana Muffins

And I have to say, it's a great way to use up that one banana!

In addition to the garden, my other favorite hobby... Yep, still getting a kick from Barbie crafts and creating dioramas. It's been fun bringing a little of my own personality to the dolls, and the dollhouse renovation is an on-going project.

I sincerely Thank You for taking the time to visit:@)

Happy New Year Everyone,

I wish you good health and all the best in 2023!!!

Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies -No Eggs

I had two ripe bananas and um, no eggs... How does that happen???  So I started searching for a recipe and boy this is a good one! These Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies taste great and have a very nice consistency:@) Out of the oven, they have slightly crispy edges, and soft centers. As these sit in an air tight container they will become softer. I took some to work the next day and my crew tasted these four days after baking, and yep, thumbs up all around:@) 

I did use a white whole wheat flour,

this a great way to use up a couple bananas folks!

Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies-from Creations by Kara

1/2 C butter softened

1 C brown sugar

2 ripe bananas, mashed

2 tsp vanilla

2 C A/P flour-I used white whole wheat

1 Tblsp cornstarch

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt-I used salted butter instead

2 C chocolate chips-I used semi-sweet

1. Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add bananas and vanilla.
2. Mix dry, add to butter mixture.
3. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges. 
5. Cool for a couple minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to cooling racks.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

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Three Ingredient Banana Bread -Cake Mix Recipe and a tip...

This Three Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread is another great way to use up a couple extra bananas, or even a cake mix that's been in the cabinet for a while. One of my favorite after Christmas clearance items is a spiced muffin/quick bread mix, that's what I used here. I think we've all seen this type of recipe before, what makes mine a little different is, instead of saying "use three bananas", I'll share how to measure them out so there isn't any guessing and your banana bread turns out great:@)

Take a look at the ingredients you will need on the box.

First, sub any oil with mashed banana (I measured out 1/2 C banana).

Next, what liquid do we need?

My mix called for 2/3 C water. Since I only started with 2 bananas, 

I couldn't fill my 1/3 measuring cup. Simply top it off with water/milk/half and half, etc.

Then add the other 1/3 C liquid.

No guessing, no worrying about having small or large bananas,

just a very nice snack cake that everyone enjoyed at Sunday dinner:@)

Three Ingredient Banana Bread

Quick Bread/Muffin mix or cake mix, flavor of choice-I used a 15 oz spiced mix

2 eggs-or whatever is called for on the box

1-3 mashed bananas

Water (or milk) to fill measuring cup

Optional add ins: nuts, chocolate chips, etc.

1. Add mix to bowl.
2. Add eggs to bowl.
3. Substitute mashed bananas for any oil in the recipe.
4. Liquid: Add leftover banana to a measuring cup, fill any remaining space in the cup with whatever liquid the recipe calls for. 
5. Mix well, pour into greased loaf pan, top with nuts, chocolate chips or sanding sugar if desired, and bake per instructions on the box.
6. Let cool in pan for a while, turn out onto rack.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

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Bisquick Banana Nut Bread with Granola Topping

I had a couple bananas that were well past their prime and decided to take advantage of the cooler mornings... This Bisquick Banana Nut Bread with Granola Topping is perfect any time of day, and especially nice with a good strong cup of coffee or tea:@) I had some granola to use up and thought it might add a little extra goodness to the top, and nuts are always welcome. Be sure to use all of the banana for the best flavor and moisture. This is one of those quick breads that's better after being covered in plastic wrap after cool and allowed to sit for a few hours. It's a nice recipe to try if you already have Bisquick on-hand.

Want to make this a tad healthier?

Use Heart Healthy Bisquick, a Stevia type sweetener, fat free milk, sub some applesauce for the oil, etc.

I made half of the recipe, that made a very nice 4X8 loaf.

Bisquick Banana Nut Bread with Granola Topping-adapted from Betty Crocker

1 1/3 C mashed banana, approximately 3 large 

2/3 C sugar

1/4 C milk

3 Tblsp vegetable oil

1/2-1 tsp vanilla-I used 1 tsp

3 eggs

2 2/3 C Bisquick

1/2 C chopped nuts of choice-I used walnuts

Granola and extra nuts for topping if desired

1. Mix everything, pour into sprayed 9X5 loaf pan.
2. Generously sprinkle top with granola (I used honey/oat) and extra nuts if desired, I desired:@) Very gently press into top of batter.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. (Half of the recipe in 8x4 pan took about 45 minutes.)
4. Let cool 10 minutes, loosen sides with knife, remove from pan, allow to cool before slicing. 

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Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Creatively Crafty

Saturday ReView: Small Batch Strawberry/Banana Jam & Thrift Store Props for Barbie

I wanted to feature something with strawberries today and ended up doing a blog search for Small Batch Jam. Several tasty (and thrifty) options popped up, but this Strawberry/Banana Jam was what I was really looking for:@) It's a flavor combination you really don't expect in jam, and a nice way to use up an over ripe banana and couple handfuls of strawberries... This is a great jam, and one I' m sure the kids would all love!

And Barbie just wants to send a little reminder that,

1:6 scale toys and props can be found anywhere, even at the thrift store!

This scooter was only $1.

As with anything, timing is everything, but it never hurts to look:@)

Looks like this weekend will be a washout here in Philly.

But, you know what they say,

April showers...

🌼Have a great weekend everyone-enjoy:@)

Banana Spritz Cookies -Philadelphia Eagles Underdog Super Bowl Cookies:@)

Dog masks have flown off the shelves of retailers and Philly is embracing the idea that the Eagles are underdogs in the Superbowl! So... I had a little fun and made some Banana Spritz Cookies with the dog disc and my cookie press. The little bones are Halloween sprinkles and just too cute:@) The banana flavor of these cookies is very nice folks, don't hesitate to whip up a batch using whatever disc you'd like-for any occasion.

We've all been enjoying this ride:@)

Banana Spritz Cookies-from Family Cookbook Project

1 C shortening

2/3 C sugar

1 large egg yolk

1/2 C mashed ripe banana-very ripe for the best flavor

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

3 C A/P bleached flour

1. Beat shortening and sugar until creamy.
2. Beat in yolk, mix in banana, salt and vanilla.
3. Add flour a little at a time mixing well. If dough seems dry, let sit for a couple minutes and press together with your hands. 
4. Fill cookie press, form cookies onto ungreased cold cookie sheets. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes, cool on rack.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

Pepperidge Farm's Banana Milanos

~Cookie Alert~ I have always had a fondness for Pepperidge Farm's Milanos! Did you know there's an new Banana Milano now? Yep, and they are good:@) I hear they won't be at Walmart (at least for now) but can be found at grocery stores, Giant and ShopRite have them here north of Philly.

 Now if I can just save a few to munch on during the snow storm we're expecting on Saturday...

Have a happy day:@)

Banana Jam-A Refrigerator Spread

I just had to make some Banana Jam as soon as I saw it! Picked up reduced brown bananas at the supermarket and figure 3 1/2 jelly jars cost me about $1 total-gotta love that. Several recipes I saw said you could can it using a water bath if you mashed the bananas very smooth and added the called for lemon or lime juice. I whipped up a batch yesterday, it tasted great and stayed a nice light color. I was happy:@)

What I noticed this morning was, the jars I processed in the water bath separated over night.

This did not make me happy.

Do I still suggest trying it?

Yes, but because of this development, I recommend making a half batch and storing it in the fridge.
The jam in the fridge stayed very nice and is good on a bagel with either peanut butter or cream cheese.

Banana Jam-from several sources on the Net

2 C very finely mashed bananas

2 C sugar

2 Tblsp lemon or lime juice

Mix everything in pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes. Store in sterilized jars in the fridge. 

Keep trying new things and have a happy day:@)

Banana Split Popcorn

I munch on popcorn often and usually just enjoy it with some salt. But ~every once in a while~ I like to try something a little more... fun:@) This Banana Split Popcorn was different and very good! My inspiration was a pack of freeze dried bananas and strawberries from Walmart. Drizzle on a little melted dark chocolate and we have popcorn that's sweet, tart, crunchy, salty and a fairly healthy snack too!

More possible Banana Split type add-ins: 

dried pineapple, dried cherries, peanuts, mini-marshmallows, a drizzle of white chocolate and sprinkles.

Anything else? 

This size bag is good for about 3-4 cups of popcorn.

Have a happy day:@)

8" Butter Cake with Banana Butter Frosting

I had one lonely banana and a hankering for something sweet... This 8" Butter Cake with Banana Butter Frosting tastes great! I love cakes that can be baked in an 8" square pan, it just seems like a more manageable amount of dessert. The leftovers were placed in a Lock-N-Lock and tucked away in the fridge to take to work this morning... I may be having second thoughts:@)

My banana was small and probably only equaled 1/3 C so I cut back a little on the butter and only used 2 C sugar. This is a nice frosting, you do see specks of banana so some folks add a few drops of yellow food coloring to it. I would make this again!

8" Butter Cake-adapted from Allrecipes.com
1 1/2 C A/P flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 C butter
1 C sugar-I used 3/4 C
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 C milk-I used half sour cream

1. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder together. I was lazy and didn't *head hanging in shame*, I will the next time.
2. Cream the butter and add in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add the dry to the butter alternating with the milk. Stir until just blended.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8" pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 35-50 minutes, or until done. Mine was done in 35 minutes.
6. Remove from pan and allow to cool. I left mine in the baking dish.

Banana Butter Frosting-from Allrecipes.com
1/4 C butter, softened
1/2 C mashed banana
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
up to 3 1/4 C powdered sugar
yellow food coloring-optional

1. Cream the butter. Add the vanilla and lemon.
2. Slowly alternate adding the sugar and banana until you get the consistency you want.
3. Store this in the fridge.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

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Bourbon Banana Bread or... Not Yo Moma's Banana Bread

I literally saw this Bourbon Banana Bread recipe this morning and immediately grabbed some bananas out of the freezer! My co-workers have been asking why I haven't baked anything in a while (um... it's 90 degrees out with just about as much humidity???), so I thought this would be perfect and make everyone happy:@) Muffin size bake up faster and are easier for individual servings.

What makes this different than my go-to Banana Bread is the spices, in addition to the bourbon of course. If you'd like to try something new I say this bread is a good one and I might even add just the lightest drizzle of a Bourbon Glaze (subbing bourbon for rum) to take it over the top!

Bourbon Banana Bread-Not Your Moma's Banana Bread-from Little Bit of Everything
3-4 bananas, mashed
1/3 C salted butter, melted
3/4 to 1 C sugar-your choice
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tblsp bourbon-optional
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
1 1/2 C A/P flour

1. Mix bananas, butter and sugar with wooden spoon-I used my mixer.
2. Add in egg, vanilla, bourbon, mix well.
3. Sprinkle top with baking soda and add spices, mix well.
4. Stir in the flour. 
5. Pour into buttered 4x8 pan or divide into cupcake liners.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes for loaf or approx 18-20 minutes for muffins. Test with toothpick for doneness.

Have a happy day:@)

Black Bottom Banana Bars

I didn't grow up eating bar cookies, they're new to me and I'm enjoying them! These Black Bottom Banana Bars were fun to make. Although I didn't trust that such a small amount of batter would work with a 9x13 pan... Hence the nice thick slice of heaven pictured below:@) Yep, I baked this one in an 8x8 pan.

The batter is thick, an offset spatula will really help spread it around. I have a little 4" one that I use.

They are very tasty and moist, if you like banana bread you'll love this.

But, um... Use a 9x13 pan-okay?:@)

Black Bottom Banana Bars-adapted from Taste of Home
1/2 C butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C mashed ripe bananas-approx 3
1 1/2 C A/P flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C cocoa powder
Chocolate chips-about 1/2 C-optional-I did not use them

1. In large bowl cream butter and sugar. 
2. Add in egg and vanilla, mix well. Add the bananas mix well.
3. Combine flour, powder, soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Divide batter in half. Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips if using to half and spread in a greased 9x13 pan.
5. Spoon remaining batter on top and swirl with knife-I didn't swirl it, just spread it out.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool on rack, slice and enjoy!

Have a happy day:@)

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Strawberry Banana Jam-Small Batch

Bananas were very ripe at the store so they were marked down to 38¢/lb and I had leftover strawberries in the freezer from my Strawberry Frosting. So when I saw a Strawberry Banana Jam from Family Home and Life on a linky party, I decided to make some! The only difference, I made a small batch.

Have you seen these new packages of pectin that are measured specifically for 2 half pint jars? One for me and one to share (the boys were very happy), since they're being used right away I didn't need to process them in a hot water bath, just place in the fridge. I did give my fruit a whirl in the food chopper and it calls for anywhere from 1 to 1 2/3 C sugar-your choice. I like that:@) This is a very tasty jam (love the banana flavor!) and I think a little splash of vanilla would be very good in it too.

I'm looking forward to my bagel tomorrow morning:@)

Strawberry Banana Jam-Small Batch-recipe from the back of the pectin package
1 (.4 oz) package Ball Classic Pectin-found it at Walmart
1 1/3 C crushed or finely chopped fruit-I used one medium banana and strawberries for the rest
3 tsp lemon juice
Sugar-I used 1 1/4 C because they weren't local super sweet berries

1. Combine fruit and lemon juice in pot, stir in pectin. 
2. Bring mixture to a rolling boil.
3. Add sugar, stir to dissolve. Return to a rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat, skim foam and pour into sanitized canning jars. If you'll be using it right away you can simply store it in the fridge or for longer storage process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Eat well and have a happy day!

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Banana Cake With Vanilla Bean Frosting

I'm just gonna say it, I love cake! While I'm always in awe of the big fancy ones, I really like the little ones that can be whipped up and enjoyed on short notice. Don't need to heat up the big oven, just pop it into the counter top one, cool, frost, pour a cup of coffee and enjoy! This is one of those cakes.

What makes this one different than the other banana cake I posted? Sour cream, this is a very moist cake.

What's my absolute favorite thing about this recipe?
While both the cake and icing are plenty sweet, they're not overly sweet.

Ma stopped by for coffee on Saturday and the boys finished it on Sunday, we all loved this one!
Wanted to share a glimpse of my $2 flea market vintage yellow rose tablecloth too:@)

Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting-adapted from The Farm Girl and ButterYum
Cake:
2/3 C sugar
2 Tblsp butter, room temp
1/2 C sour cream
3/4 C mashed banana (approx 2)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 C A/P flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Frosting:
2 Tblsp butter, room temp
1 1/4 C powdered sugar
1/4 C heavy cream
*1/2 vanilla bean, just the seeds
pinch of salt-didn't use this

1. Cream sugar and butter till fluffy. 
2. Add sour cream, mix well. Add banana, mix well. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
3. Add the dry and mix till combined.
4. Pour into greased 9x9 pan and bake at 375 for approx 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool cake completely.
6. Cream butter and powdered sugar for frosting
7. Slowly add the cream and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Mix in vanilla bean and pinch of salt.
9. Frost cake.

Notes:

• *The frosting calls for a vanilla bean. While I'm sure the taste is amazing, I've never used one, they're a little too... extravagant for my wallet. So I poured 1/2 tsp good vanilla into a 1/4 cup measure then filled it the rest of the way with heavy cream. Worked fine! 
• The butter and powdered sugar didn't cream for me when making the frosting, the butter did get mixed with the sugar though. Once I added the heavy cream everything came together nicely.
• It calls for a 9x9 pan, I have an 8x8, that's what I used. 
• A tip about storing bananas for baking later, I simply put the whole bananas in a plastic grocery bag and stick them in the freezer. The skin will turn black but the bananas are fine, and it only takes about 15-30 minutes for the bananas to thaw enough to mash. 

Have a happy day:@)

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