This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a rich and decadent dessert, perfect for any special occasion or when you just need a sweet indulgence. The moist banana cake is studded with crunchy walnuts and layered with a luxurious cream cheese frosting. Each bite is filled with the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
For Garnish (optional):
- Extra chopped walnuts
- Sliced bananas (just before serving)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Bananas
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
For added texture and flavor, garnish the cake with extra chopped walnuts around the sides or top. You can also add sliced bananas just before serving for a fresh touch. Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Cooking Notes
- Bananas: For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with brown spots on the skin.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before folding them into the batter enhances their flavor. You can toast them by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Sour Cream: Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to the cake. You can use either depending on your preference.
Variations
1. Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cake batter for a banana-chocolate combination that’s irresistible.
2. Caramel Banana Walnut Cake
Drizzle the cake with a rich caramel sauce before serving for an extra layer of decadence. This pairs beautifully with the banana and walnut flavors.
3. Banana Walnut Bundt Cake
Make this recipe in a bundt pan instead of round cake pans for a show-stopping presentation. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
4. Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Cake
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of this cake, follow these substitutions:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Replace the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Use sugar-free cream cheese and powdered sweetener for the frosting.
These adjustments will allow you to enjoy a low-carb version of this cake while still savoring the creamy banana-walnut goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or refrigerate until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t like walnuts, you can substitute with pecans or even leave the nuts out altogether if preferred.
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for banana lovers, combining moist banana cake with crunchy walnuts and a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite of this heavenly dessert!
