Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the cake out easily once baked.

Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.

Step 4. Add the Mashed Bananas

Mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, then fold them into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture until well blended.

Step 5. Sift in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.

Step 6. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 7. Cool the Cake

Allow the banana tray bake to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Step 8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For a frosted tray bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Step 9. Slice and Serve

Cut the cake into squares and serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a layer of cream cheese frosting.