BANANA SPICE CAKE

Due to my freezer-of-infinite-bananas, I decided that my next cake could really use some fruit!

BANANA SPICE CAKE

2 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2/3 c. shortening
1 1/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 2/3 c. mashed ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat the eggs, then add to the sugar mix.

3. Add the sugar mix to the large bowl, and mix thoroughly. Stir in the mashed bananas and extracts.

4. Divide the batter into 2 greased 8" round cake pans. Use a lightly greased rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Cool cakes completely before icing.

BUTTERCREAM ICING

(this is a sheetcake-sweet frosting. if you do not want it that sweet, start with 1 1/2 c powdered sugar, then add a tablespoon at a time to taste)

6 Tbsp shortening
4 Tbsp butter
2 c. powdered sugar
4 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp vanilla extract

Cream together the shortening and butter. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, mix well, then 1 Tbsp milk. Continue alternating until all of the sugar and milk is incorporated, then add the vanilla.

PINAPPLE SYRUP

1 cup frozen pinapple
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Put all ingrediants in a small pot and simmer on medium until thickened to a thin syrup. (if using canned pinapple, you may substitute the juice for part of the water)

I used a slotted spoon to remove the pinapple chunks from the syrup, then I drizzled the glaze over the cakes while they were cooling and allowed it to soak in. When the cakes were cool I iced the top of one, then layered them, and iced the top and sides of the stacked cakes. Finally, I placed the candied pinapple chunks on top.

And yes, I know that I suck at icing cakes! But hey, if it tastes good it won't last long enough to care how it looks ^^

If you have any requests/suggestions for recipes please send me an email at currentlycooking@gmail.com