Bennett's Monkey Party

****Don't forget about the Cranberries and Capers Giveaway! (Below)****

I share this because I think you are all going to want to try this Banana Cake recipe!  It is Delicious!  We celebrated Bennett's first birthday a few days ago with a Monkey themed party.  Not that he will remember it, but we will. ha.    

I decided to make a monkey cake for his party and thought a banana cake would be fun, since it is a monkey party and all.  :)  I got the recipe from Martha Stewart--what a kitchen genius. 

 

  

Banana Cupcakes 

(I used to make Banana Cake)

Makes 28

• 3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 4 very ripe large bananas, mashed (about 2 cups), plus sliced bananas for garnish
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Baking Directions
• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.
  2. Reduce speed to low. Mix any remaining wet ingredients in a bowl if needed. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with wet ingredients and ending with dry. Scrape sides of bowl. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.
  3. Bake cupcakes until testers inserted into centers come out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in tins on wire racks. Cupcakes will keep, covered, for up to 3 days, unless otherwise noted

 I covered with a Basic Vanilla frosting, but you could use a variety of frosting types.

To make the Monkey shaped head for the cake....

I used a pyrex bowl to cook the cake it and then cut layers into the cake and put frosting in.  I used a cupcake cut in half to make ears.  It was actually very simple, but turned out looking pretty cute. 

I also made a delicious banana slush for the party that was a huge hit.  I'll share that recipe another time. :) 

I'll share a few more fun pictures from the party.....just because I can.