Moist Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 15x10x1-inch baking pans with waxed paper and grease the paper.

2. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 15x10x1-inch baking pans with waxed paper and grease the paper.

3. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, 1-1/2 cups of 2% milk, and 4 eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then beat on medium for 2 minutes.

4. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, 1-1/2 cups of 2% milk, and 4 eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then beat on medium for 2 minutes.

5. 3

   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. Gently peel off the waxed paper.

6. 3

   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. Gently peel off the waxed paper.

7. 4

   In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of 2% milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature.

8. 4

   In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of 2% milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature.

9. 5

   In a stand mixer, cream the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Beat in 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add the cooled milk mixture and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 10-15 minutes.

10. 5

    In a stand mixer, cream the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Beat in 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add the cooled milk mixture and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 10-15 minutes.

11. 6

    Place one cake layer on a large cutting board and spread the top with the creamy frosting. Top with the remaining cake layer, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares. If desired, top with whipped topping and sliced bananas. Refrigerate any leftovers.

12. 6

    Place one cake layer on a large cutting board and spread the top with the creamy frosting. Top with the remaining cake layer, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares. If desired, top with whipped topping and sliced bananas. Refrigerate any leftovers.