Old Fashioned Banana Cake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pan. Then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

In the bowl of your food processor, place the bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Process just until blended and smooth. Add the eggs and process until combined.

In the bowl of your electric stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or with an electric hand mixer) combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, along with half the banana mixture, and beat on low speed just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium (on high if using a hand mixer) and beat the batter for 1 1/2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining banana mixture in two additions, beating well after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top, and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.  

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before removing the cake from the pan. When completely cooled, frost with the Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Beat in the finely chopped pecans. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts if desired.

The cake can be stored for several days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. It can also be frozen for about one month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

Makes one - 9 inch (23 cm) cake.

Note: To toast the pecans, place on a baking sheet and bake in 350 F (180 C) oven for about 8 minutes or until lightly brown and fragrant.

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