Banana Friendship Cake

A Simply Lovely Life

This cake was the family favorite for birthdays for years. In fact, It's the cake that I've faithfully made *just before the birth* of each child--tucking the layers away in the freezer until the appointed time of, *this is it*, when they were then ceremoniously pulled out, stacked and frosted and gaily crowned with a festive garland of berries. The cake, that we've gathered 'round, in all it's candlelit brightness, as we've sung the birthday welcome to our newest life and love/s, just moments after they've entered the world. The cake we've gathered 'round birthday after birthday, year after year, to say we're so thankful God made you. What an amazing job he did! We're so thankful that you're ours. Though in the past few years it's found a rival in the chocolate torte and the homemade icecream cake, it's still a dear friend, that's marked many years of precious friendship between us, as a family, and stirs up lots of great memories evertime it's made.

It's a nice moist cake and is so pretty garnished with strawberries (or any berries) in a variety of ways. Again, this is a wonderful recipe to use with those cute little cake pans, allowing the children to mix and pour and bake and frost, and then to happily each embellish--all their own, with blueberries, and/or raspberries, strawberries, nuts, raisins, etc.......

~~Banana Friendship Cake

What you'll need

1/2 cup of butter

1 and 1/2 cups of sugar

2 eggs

2-3 nice ripe bananas, mashed well (I always use about 3 medium)

1/2 cup of buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

3/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of salt

2 1/4 cups of unbleached flour (freshly milled pastry flour is best)

1/2 cup of chopped nuts (if you like nuts--you can use your favorite kind)

Peel, and mash your ripe bananas.

In a large bowl combine:

Butter and sugar, and beat

Add eggs, bananas, and buttermilk.

Beat well with a spoon, or with a mixer for about 2 minutes.

Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour.

Beat until well combined, by hand, or with a mixer for about 2 minutes.

Fold in nuts, if you're using them.

Butter and flour 2 round cake pans (or whatever shape pans you prefer).

Pour batter into your pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. Do not over bake.

After the cake has sufficiently cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with fruit of your choice. We think it's especially nice with strawberries.

~~Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup of softened butter
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons of vanilla
4 cups of sifted confectioner's sugar

Cream together butter and cream cheese, and stir in vanilla

Add confectioner's sugar a little at a time, beating well until blended.

Today was actually one of the most beautiful days of my life. It was one of those magical, hold it in your heart for always, days, like the day we went to look at the lovely house. It was equally special for Julia and Chubb, and I think I took more photos in one day than ever before--many of those being among my favorite I've ever taken. I moved in the direction of sharing about it tonight but very quickly realized that I couldn't do it justice in the short time I had available to me, to post. So, I've decided to save it to share on Monday. I think you guys will enjoy it so much, too.

We spent a wonderfully lovely day away, today, and will be rising very early to make another day trip to look at one more house, and property, tomorrow. We hadn't anticipated going again so soon, but this house (one among many we have looked at the listing for) does look as though it might be a good possibility (the best of two so far). Both Big Papa and I think it wise to go and check it out, and we are hoping to go through the (favored :o) first house, again. Maybe, maybe not--we'll see.

So, I probably won't be posting, tomorrow, and by the time I got everything squared away and everyone tucked into bed, tonight, I've only had a chance to go over everyones beautiful sharing in notes and emails, once--what sweet treasures they were, and am looking forward to loading the page(s) (the blog and comments and my email) and taking my laptop with me tomorrow morning on my trip, when I can kick back and drink in every single hello and precious word that you shared about your own lives. What dear beautiful women you are. I can't wait to re-read your notes, and hope to respond, to each one, soon as time allows. If I do pop in, tomorrow, it will just be for a quick hello. But it's a long trip and by the time I get the little ones snugged in bed, I am so tired that I'm usually crawling in right after. So, I'll *probably see* you again, on Sunday :o)

I hope that your day was lovely. Thanks once again for the very priceless sharing of your hearts and your lives. Thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers. I'll look forward to sharing the special blessings of today, with you all, on Monday.

Lovingly, your sister and friend, Jewels

P.S. Joseph made this lovely and delicious cake, above, today. What a friend, and what a friendship cake! Mmmmm :o)

Comments

[Rain]

Thank you for your beautiful blog Jewels. I have really enjoyed my time here these last couple of months reading about your love and joyful mothering. I've been meditating on psalm 113:9
"he makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD!
This seems to be something you have, and I really appreciate you sharing it.
This is something that I believe the Lord wants of all of us mothers and sadly I see it lacking in many. I desire it and have been asking the Lord for it. Have you always been this way? Or have you grown in joy as you've grown into your mothering? I have 5 children so far from 12 yrs-8mos.
God bless you and your family as you travel and seek out your next home.
Rain

[gardengoose]

Hi Jewels..sounds like you had a lovely, lovely day. I had a wonderful day too.
o.k...seems to me that Joseph is going to make one gal a very nice husband..(one that can prepare some wonderful cakes and so forth)
My little Ian tells me that he is going to become a cake baker when he grows up...smiles.
I think your Joseph is getting there sooner though.:0)
A lovely treat that he created today for your family to enjoy.
Looks delicious.
Has Claire had the baby yet? Seeing as this cake is made at the "birth announcement" times?:0)
I hope that the drive tomorrow and the house hunting all go well for you and Big Papa.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs to you!
Your sister and friend, Tina

[Regina Clare Jane]

Thank you for the lovely recipe, Jewels. I dunno, though... after the friendship cookies I just made, this friendship cake might be the straw that breaks my husband's back! He has practically banned me from making any more sweet and delicous goodies because- dare I say it?- he has put on a few pounds since trying all the delicious recipes you share with us! I think I will make it anyway- bananas grow right outside our house and they are healthy for you! And besides, he doesn't like to waste food... hee hee... he'll be forced to eat it!
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow, full of God's blessings. My heart goes with you... looking forward to the post on Monday!
Love to you and the dear ones...
xoxo

[Connie]

Thank you for the beautiful blog. I savour every word you type and the photos are priceless.

[Connie]

I absolutely love your blog...I enjoy the wonderful writings and the photos are priceless.

Connie

[Katie]

Once again, Joseph is impressing us with his baking skills!!

I'm so glad that you had *one of those days* in such a wonderful. memorable. way.

Me, too! Meeting for dinner with some new friends, who within minutes, felt like old, dear friends!

Can't wait to see your photos and hear the continuing house saga!!

[Kristi]

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful day today. I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm curious too (as Rain posted), how you've grown in your mothering over the years. Maybe you can share that journey with us sometime. I will "miss" you this weekend, but hope you have a wonderful one, and I look forward to "visiting" with you again on Monday.
Your friend,
Kristi

[Cheryl (Copper's Wife)]

What wonderful, wonderful memories you are making with your children on these special days of travel and house hunting and just being together. Enjoy your Saturday outing!

[Sommer]

That cake looks soooo yummy! I've been getting so many great ideas, I just don't know how to make it all happen!

Well, I surely hope you all have a great trip tomorrow and that the Lord will bless your way.

Oh, and I am so glad you stopped by my little spot the other day:-) I hope you enjoyed the visit.

Lots of love,
Sommer

[Naomi michelle]

Oh, what an absolutely delicious looking cake...
Sounds as if you must have had a wonderful day...can't wait until Monday to see what fun you and your family have been up to...
~Naomi Michelle~

[chas]

Good Morning Jewels! I think the cake is just lovely! I will make sure to put that recipe in a special place to bring out on a special occasion... well, maybe even a not so special occasion... every day is special... Right? :) I look forward to hearing about your wonderful day!!!
Have a great one today as you go and visit another house...
Lovingly,
Chas

[Connie W]

Wow this cake looks divine. How nice to have the tradition of this being a celebration quilt for the new births. I send wishes for blessing in finding the 'perfect' new home for your lovely family. God be with you.
Connie W @ Simply Quilted

[Pat]

Dearest Jewels,
You are an amazing woman and have a heart of gold. I am enjoying reading your blog and your live so much and I see I am not alone,grin,. What a wonderful way to share the blessings that The Lord Jesus pour upon you and your family.Priceless!
I will be praying for all of you during this weekend.You have encouraged me greatly and I have been thinking to start a blog too. I have all my realatives (us) living in other states and my family in Brazil so this would be great. I have no I idea how to start... any suggestion?
I feel almost guilty in asking you ... you got your hands full, so when you have a chance willl be fine.
We often think to teach our daugthers about cooking and baking and forget about our sons... What a marvelous thing that Joseph is able to prepare such delicious cake!Wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
lovingly in Jesus,
Pat

[Maria S.]

Good morning Jewels!
The cake looks and most taste delicious, yum!!
Has Clare's baby arrived yet? Since this is a birthday cake, umm...
I hope you have a wonderful time today and get to enjoy the beautiful countryside our precious Lord has gifted all of us. Long road trips can be quite tiring, but your family seems to enjoy the time together so these trips have probably become something to look forward to.
I pray that this property will fit the bill or if its the first house, so much the better. House hunting days can sometimes be a let down, but as long as we maintain our eyes on the moment the Lord provides, it is a bit of an adventure!
Have a wonderful day!
Blessins, Maria S.

[Ruth Kaup]

Dear Jewels,

Thanks so much for posting this recipe! I am going to copy it today! I sent you a few recipes and a couple of photos yesterday. (Hope you enjoy!) My sons also enjoy cooking. It is a blessing...especially when we are having company, and I need a few more hands! LOL

Have a beautiful weekend in the Lord, Jewels.

You sister and friend,
Ruth

[Manuela]

Hello Jewels, Thank you for stopping by my blog, it's was a delightful surprise to see that you had been there!

I'll definitely make that cake next week. I try to bake something sweet at least once a week. It really looks scrumptious and I love anything that uses fruit as an ingredient.

Sounds like you had a beautiful day and I'd love to see those pictures and hear about the houses you looked at!

Warmly,

Manuela

[Carrie]

Wow, Jewels, that is a wonderful idea! I think families thrive on tradition. I like that Joseph loves to bake too..My son loves to bake too! It is what bonds them together. I am seeing that and really asking the Lord to help us to really make everthing a tradition. The children love that and it nourishes their soul. Praise the Lord! Oh and I am still praying for you Jewels. Love, Carrie on the Meadow.

[Mrs. Rabe]

Can't wait to hear about your special day and your trip to see the house.

I pray that you will know the Lord's direction for your lives, that it will be so clear to you.

Have a lovely day!

[rose mason]

Dear Jewels-I was showing my husband your recipe and he said he would love to have it on his birthday! He turns 46 0r 47 on August 28th-Time goes by so fast I can't even remember his age and for another special treat it is our anniversary! Thankyou for all your love and kindness. I found a little store near my house that sells Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products and I went in with my daughters and bought the lavender dishsoap,scrub,soap,and the geranium iron spray that you reccomended. It is so nice to clean with such a pretty scent. My girls love using her products! My bathroom smells so good. I took your advice and am using it only on Saturday's and once during the week . But it seems my daughters want to use it everyday-it cleans and smells so good. I bought the lavender oil and that seemed to satisfy them when we are using the borax and homemade stuff. We are all praying you find a good, wellbuilt,and ofcourse pretty house with good neighbors-I know God will answere your prayers as well as you are a 'good and faithful servent' to Him. Blessings, Rose

[Zsuzsa]

That is a delicious looking cake! I printed out the recipe and will be making it soon! I have made the brownie torte fa couple of weeks ago which we loved!

[haflinger/Brenda]

Yummy looking cake I have buttermilk and was just wondering what to do with it. I will make the cake thanks for sharing I really enjoy your blog.. haflinger

[Amanda]

Hello Jewels! Thank you so much for this recipe! It looks delicious and I'm making it this afternoon. I was JUST searching my recipes for something to take to a friend's house this afternoon....I just couldn't find anything suitable...and with ingredients I have on hand. I believe God prompted me to visit your blog now...because HE already knew what I would need!! :) He is truly awesome!

Have a wonderful time on your visit to the next home. I very much enjoyed the photos from the last home you visited.

Blessings to you...Amanda

[Monique]

Hi Jewels,
Such a lovely cake. I will give it a go. I have to calculate the measurements in our system, but I will give it a try.
Good luck on the house hunting !!!

love

[Anna S]

Dear Jewels, this cake looks wonderful, and sounds like it's easy to make, too! You know what, it might just be the first new recipe I try in our new kitchen! Exciting isn't it?

Again, much luck with your search for a new home for your sweet family. I'm looking forward to reading updates. Have a blessed day!

[Leah]

Jewels,

What a lovely cake! It looks delicious! I'll have to give it a try soon! :)

I can hardly wait to hear about your *wonderfully lovely day* yesterday! Please do share when you have the time! :)

I'll be thinking of you and praying for you throughout the day. Did you take your camera and charged battery with you today?! ;) Can't wait to hear how the trip went!

The Lord be with you!

Grace & Peace,
Leah