Gigi's Hunka Chunka Banana Love Cake

Gigi Butler from Gigi's Cupcakes made her Hunka Chunka Banana Love Cake. (see recipe below) There are several Gigi's Cupcakes locations in and around the Nashville area. To find the one nearest you, go to www.gigiscupcakesusa.com.  You can find Gigi's candles, book and more at www.gigibutler.com

HUNKA CHUNKA BANANA LOVE CAKE

1. Mash 4 ripe bananas in a large bowl

2. Add: 

   2 cups sugar

   4 beaten eggs

   1 cup oil

3. Mix well.

4. Add:

   2 ½ cups flour

   1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

   1 teaspoon salt

   1 ½ cups chopped pecans

   1 cup mini dark chocolate chips

5. Beat until smooth.
6. Pour and cup the cakes using a ½ cup dipper.
7. Bake at 325 degrees F for 28 minutes.
8. Cool.

Yield approx. = 18 cupcakes

GIGI’S BANANA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

1 ½ cups butter, softened (microwave 15 seconds)

8 cups powdered sugar

5 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (use clear for whiter frosting)

½ large banana

½ teaspoon fruit fresh

2 tablespoons vanilla pudding

2 drops yellow food coloring

In a large mixer bowl, add softened butter (microwave 15 seconds max). Add powdered sugar and beat well (with mixer), add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon fruit fresh (keeps bananas soft and fresh), in another small mixing bowl add 5 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons vanilla pudding with a whisk – mix well and pour into butter and sugar mixture, take ½ of a large banana mash into butter and sugar mixture, add 2 small drops of yellow food coloring and beat well until frosting is light and fluffy.

Makes 5 cups of frosting.