Banana Cake with Crunchy Top

Already Sunday night. Weekends go by so fast! I would vote for a 3-day weekend!!

Went back to the gym this morning to try to run another 5k.  Did it again!! Ran it in 31 minutes, which is faster than what I did last week (I did it in 33).  I didn't find it any easier - my heart was really pumping. But I was so happy when I finished!! My goal was to try to do it in 30 minutes - but that will be for next time!! :)  Still did it 2 minutes faster than last time!! Yeah me!!



This afternoon, we went for a short walk - wanted to walk longer, but it was so cold near the water, we managed only 30 minutes.


We came back, and since I needed to use up some bananas, went back to an old recipe I did for the first time 6-7 years ago. It is still as good today (I am having a piece as I type!!).
 


I had saved it here - banana-cake-with-crunchy-top - recipezaar which is now food.com.

Banana Cake with Crunchy Top

2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (used 1 1/4 and would use less than 1 next time as the topping is very sweet!)
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup buttermilk or 1/4 cup soured milk (used low-fat milk and lemon)
1 cup mashed ripe banana (3 to 4)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup buttermilk or 1/4 cup soured milk (used low-fat milk and lemon)

Topping

1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons light cream (10%) (used low-fat milk)
1 cup flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped nuts (didn't use)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease a 13x9 inch cake pan.

Cake: combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.

Add sugar, butter, 1/4 cup buttermilk and bananas. Beat for 2 minutes with wooden spoon (or electric mixer).

Add eggs, vanilla and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Beat for 1 minute.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until tootpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Topping: while cake is baking, prepare topping. Melt butter in small saucepan (or microwave). Stir in remaining ingredients thoroughly.

Remove cake from oven and immediately spread toping evenly over cake.

Broil 6 inches below element for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbly and golden.