Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a comforting classic that evokes memories of cozy afternoons and the aroma of freshly baked goodness. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings people together. We make a Banana Walnut Cream Cake with every ripe banana we have left. It’s a tradition in our family, each bite a perfect blend of sweet banana, crunchy walnuts, and luscious cream.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Banana Walnut Cream Cake: The BEST Easy Recipe
This Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a comforting dessert combining ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the toasted chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.Bananas with brown spots are perfect!
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
This Walnut Banana Cake recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, its incredible flavor. The combination of ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and a light, creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Second, it is incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required. It’s the perfect bake for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. This recipe also has all the homemade comfort you are looking for. One of our favorite things is fresh baked cookies with a big glass of milk.
Ingredients Needed for This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
*For the Cake:*
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
*For the Cream Cheese Frosting:*
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- 7. Fold in the toasted chopped walnuts.
- 8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- 9. Bake for 3035 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- 11. For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- 12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 13. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
How to Serve This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
This Walnut Banana Cake is perfect as is, but it really shines with a few thoughtful serving suggestions. Consider dusting the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an added layer of flavor. Toasted walnut halves also make a beautiful garnish. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures or a steaming cup of coffee is the best.
How to Store This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
To maintain the freshness of your Banana Walnut Cream Cake, it is best to store it properly. Refrigerate any leftover cake, covered, for up to 35 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Tips to Make This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Bananas with brown spots are perfect!
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in the cake batter. Find another great recipe on recipescharming.com!
Helpful Notes for This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
Variation of This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
For a fall twist, consider adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cake batter. You could also add a layer of caramel sauce between the cake and the frosting for extra decadence. Another version is to add chocolate chips to the batter for Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Cake.
FAQs About This Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
How do you keep banana cake moist?
Using ripe bananas, adding oil or sour cream, and avoiding overbaking are essential to keep your banana cake moist and delicious. Let the cake cool completely before frosting as well to avoid a soggy cake.
What can I add to banana cake to make it better?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans enhances both the flavor and texture. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth, while chocolate chips or chunks can satisfy a sweet tooth.
Can I freeze banana walnut cream cake?
Yes, banana walnut cream cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I prevent my banana cake from sinking in the middle?
Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can incorporate too much air, leading to a sunken cake.
Conclusion
This Banana Walnut Cream Cake is one of those recipes you will make again and again. The combination of warm spices, ripe bananas, and crunchy walnuts is something truly magical. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this Walnut Banana Cake with your loved ones. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out! For more delicious homemade desserts and baking inspiration, follow Charming Recipes on Pinterest