Banana Buttermilk Cakes

 I'm not much of a baker, so when I do get out all of the supplies, I double and triple and quadruple my recipes AND I typically make mini versions of the cake.  I like to use my mini loaf pans and make banana bread, or a muffin pan to make muffins or cupcakes. This way I have treats for guests or neighbors, treats to pack for school lunches, and even a nice surprise at breakfast.  The mini loaves and muffins also  pop into the freezer neatly for future use. 

I have been craving toasted coconut lately and tried sprinkling a bit on top of the cream cheese frosting.  You can omit that if your not a fan, however it did add a pleasant crunch to complement the creamy cake and frosting. 

For the cake/bread/muffins

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (1stick)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, yogurt, or milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. 
3. Blend in the melted butter, mixing together until moist. 
4. Add the buttermilk and combine.
5. In a separate bowl,whisk the eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas. 
6. Add into flour mixture
7. Beat for 1 minute. 
8. Place the batter in a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan. ( I use DEMARLE  Flexi-pans:  mini -loaf pans, muffin pans AND cake pans for this recipe).
9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Less if using muffin pans or mini loaf pans...about 15 minutes
10. When the cake is done, an inserted toothpick or fork should come out clean from the center.
11. Cool.  Frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with toasted coconut if desired. 

Frosting:

Ingredients

• 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. 
2. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.