Cakes that aren't chocolate

Travesty? Or genius? You decide.

Carrot Cake with Walnuts

Maybe it's just that it is Spring, but I have been baking cakes that do not involve chocolate in any form. Unheard of! I am now nursing an addiction that alternates between carrot cake and banana cake. Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

All day long, I think about when I can have my next piece. I have resorted to sneaking a small wedge from the end, only to return minutes later to "even it up." Ha, I am so transparent.

Cake is easy to make. Just be sure to line the pans with buttered parchment cut into rounds for guaranteed success in getting the cake out of the pan. Here's the recipe for carrot cake. And banana cake.

<~~~I like to stack up four layers instead of two, so I use dental floss to slice the layers in half.
<~~~As you can see, I favor this form currently. It's rustic in it's simplicity, and the outside edges dry out a tiny bit for a nice textural contrast. That is, if it lasts long enough to sit for more than a day.
<~~~Cream cheese frosting is really easy too. Just be sure to let the cream cheese and butter sit out long enough to soften properly
. <~~~this is my trick for controlling the powdered sugar clouds that form over icing-making. It's just fine under that kitchen towel; you don't have to watch it every second.

It doesn't count if you eat cake standing up, right?