First, heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Line your baking tin with parchment paper.
Make sure the paper covers all sides.
This prevents sticking and helps with removal.
Set the prepared tin aside for now.
Peel your ripe bananas completely and thoroughly.
Put them in a small bowl nearby.
Use a fork to mash them well.
Leave some small chunks for extra texture.
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor.
Put softened butter in your large bowl.
Add the caster sugar to the butter.
Beat them together until light and fluffy.
This takes about 3 minutes by hand.
An electric mixer makes this step easier.
Crack one egg into the butter mixture.
Beat it in completely before adding another.
Repeat with all three eggs one at a time.
This prevents the mixture from curdling badly.
Add vanilla extract at this stage too.
Sift flour and baking powder into the bowl.
Fold gently using a large metal spoon.
Don't overmix or the cake becomes tough.
Add the mashed bananas and milk now.
Mix until just combined and smooth looking.
Pour the mixture into your prepared tin.
Spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Place the tin in the preheated oven.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
Insert a skewer to check if it's done.
If it comes out clean, it's ready.
While the cake cools, make the icing.
Mix icing sugar with lemon juice thoroughly.
Stir until you get a smooth consistency.
The icing should be slightly runny but thick.
Adjust with more sugar or juice as needed.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes first.
Then drizzle the lemon icing over the top.
Add banana slices for decoration if you like.
Cut into squares once completely cool down.
Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.