Over the years I've tried loads of banana cake recipes that were supposed to be tried and foolproof. I was told they would be light, fluffy and moist. Well, I can tell you that each time I tried a new recipe with enthusiasm I was always disappointed. I followed the instructions to the letter, kept checking the cake in the oven when it was supposed to be cooked.

But no matter what I tried they turned out either too dry, too stodgy or down right flat. There is nothing more disappointing than going to the trouble of not only the cost of making the cake but also your valuable time! I had come to the decision that I was just never going to be able to make a mouth watering banana cake with the WOW factor!

Banana cake is a very popular recipe. Friends really appreciate a homemade banana cake given as a gift as so many people do not always have the confidence to try baking.

I am very enthusiastic about banana cakes now as with trial and error have been enjoying a rich banana flavour, light, moist, large cake that although a jumbo size seems to just disappear. Banana cakes are easy and inexpensive to make and from preparation to removing from the oven is around an hour. The banana aroma permeates through your home.

The really great thing about making banana cakes is that you can use your left over bananas that everyone seems to just leave in the fruit bowl, because the bananas have a few brown spots appearing on the skin! Sound familiar! In the past so many bananas just ended up in rubbish bins because they were deemed too ripe!

Now you can just pop the bananas into your freezer in their skins and remove them when next making a banana cake!

Don't worry about the skin going black because it will, but the banana inside will be fine. It can be either thawed or mashed straight from frozen as it doesn't freeze solidly. This is a great way to make use of your otherwise discarded bananas.

Banana cakes look impressive topped with fresh whipped cream with firm bananas cut on top, or with a flaked chocolate bar sprinkled over the cream. If wanting to use in the traditional banana cake manner either ice with a chocolate or lemon icing.

Banana cakes make a delicious dessert and compliment tea and coffee. They are popular as Birthday cakes for children and adults.