Craving a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive? A cake that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting? Then look no further! This Banana Walnut Cream Cake recipe is the ultimate solution for satisfying those cravings. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a novice baker. We’re talking about a cake that’s bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and the tangy richness of a cream cheese frosting that will leave everyone speechless.

The Ingredients:

For the Cake:

Ripe Bananas: 3 medium-sized, very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth. The riper the bananas, the more intense the flavor and the greater the moisture they contribute to the cake. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – these are the sweetest and most flavorful. These are essential for the characteristic taste of the Banana Walnut Cream Cake. You can learn more about banana ripeness and usage here.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. This provides the structural integrity of the cake, giving it its shape and crumb. Make sure to use fresh flour for optimal results when baking your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups. This adds sweetness, moisture, and helps to create a tender crumb. The correct amount is crucial for balancing the other flavours in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed. This contributes a rich, molasses-like flavor and enhances the cake’s moistness, adding depth and complexity. Consider it the secret ingredient for a superior Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Eggs: 2 large. These act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and adding richness and structure to the cake. They’re important for the texture of your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature. Softened butter is crucial for creaming with the sugars, creating a light and airy batter. This step is vital for creating the right consistency in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. This is the primary leavening agent, causing the cake to rise and become light and fluffy. Don’t skip this step or your Banana Walnut Cream Cake will be dense.
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon. This works in conjunction with the baking soda to provide an extra boost of leavening power, ensuring a perfectly risen and tender cake. Together, they provide the perfect rise for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon. This enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients and balances the overall flavor profile, preventing the cake from being overly sweet. The small amount of salt is essential for highlighting the other flavours in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. This adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor of the cake and creates a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s the touch of magic for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Chopped Walnuts: 1 cup. These provide a delightful nutty crunch and complement the banana flavor beautifully. Toasting the walnuts beforehand will intensify their flavor. Walnuts are a defining characteristic of a delicious Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Buttermilk: ½ cup. This adds tenderness and a subtle tang to the cake, creating a more complex and interesting flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. The buttermilk adds a certain je ne sais quoi to a Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Perhaps check out the differences between buttermilk vs milk.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. Softened cream cheese is essential for creating a smooth, lump-free frosting. This is what gives the Banana Walnut Cream Cake its signature tang.
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature. Just like the cream cheese, softened butter is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting. The right butter consistency is essential for the perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake frosting.
Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, sifted. Sifting the powdered sugar helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, silky frosting. A smooth frosting is the hallmark of a well-made Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. This adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor of the frosting. Just a touch elevates the frosting for a Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Heavy Cream: 2-3 tablespoons. This is used to adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it as thick or thin as you prefer. Adjusting the heavy cream allows you to customize the Banana Walnut Cream Cake‘s final look.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now, for the most exciting part – the baking process! Follow these easy-to-understand steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Remember, baking is a science, but it’s also an art, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch. This Banana Walnut Cream Cake recipe is designed for success.

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Perfect prep means the perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar together creates air pockets that contribute to a light and tender cake. It’s essential to fully cream the butter and sugar to create the right crumb for the Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, adding its warm and aromatic notes to the batter. Each egg needs to be fully mixed in for the best Banana Walnut Cream Cake texture.
Mash the Bananas to Perfection: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, using a fork or a potato masher. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable, but avoid leaving large chunks. The banana texture contributes greatly to the moistness of this Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, promoting a uniform rise. Even distribution of the dry ingredients is key to baking a great Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. Careful mixing ensures a tender Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Gently Fold in the Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The walnuts are the namesake of our Banana Walnut Cream Cake so don’t skimp!
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Watch the baking time carefully to create the perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cake is completely cool before frosting, as a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Patience is a virtue when making a Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. The creamy frosting is what sets this Banana Walnut Cream Cake apart.
Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Sifting the powdered sugar is essential for preventing lumps in the frosting. Stir in the vanilla extract, adding its subtle sweetness and aroma. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy defines the Banana Walnut Cream Cake frosting.
Adjust the Consistency: Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach your desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of heavy cream to make the frosting thicker or thinner, depending on your preference. Adjust to your liking! This step lets you customize your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Frost the Cooled Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the prepared cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula or knife to create a smooth and even layer of frosting. Get creative with the frosting! This is your chance to make the Banana Walnut Cream Cake your own.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the frosted cake with extra chopped walnuts or thin slices of fresh banana, if desired. Slice and serve your delicious Banana Walnut Cream Cake! Enjoy every bite! If you enjoy serving your cake with a special presentation perhaps check out our [Cake serving tricks and tips].

Storage Techniques

To keep your Banana Walnut Cream Cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible it’s essential to store it properly. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Room Temperature Storage (Unfrosted Cake): Store unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Proper wrapping is important to maintain moisture in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Refrigerated Storage (Frosted Cake): Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting and enhance the flavor. Refrigeration helps keep the frosting firm on your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage you can freeze either unfrosted or frosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing allows you to enjoy your Banana Walnut Cream Cake whenever the craving strikes.

Perfect Pairings:

While this Banana Walnut Cream Cake is incredibly delicious on its own here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience and create a truly memorable occasion:

Coffee or Tea Companionship: Serve the cake with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of tea. The cake’s sweetness complements the bitterness of the coffee or tea perfectly creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Coffee or tea is the perfect pairing for this Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Duo: Serve a slice of Banana Walnut Cream Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a timeless and satisfying combination that’s sure to please everyone. The cold creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Whipped Cream Cloud Topping: Top the cake with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the cake’s richness and the frosting’s tanginess. A fluffy cloud of whipped cream adds lightness to this rich Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Fresh Berry Symphony: Serve the cake with a medley of fresh berries such as strawberries blueberries raspberries or blackberries. The acidity of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake and adds a vibrant burst of color and flavor. Fresh berries brighten up your Banana Walnut Cream Cake experience.
Caramel Drizzle Indulgence: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for an extra layer of sweetness and richness creating a truly decadent and unforgettable dessert. A caramel drizzle seals the deal on this decadent Banana Walnut Cream Cake. If you want to try an amazing caramel sauce with that delicious cake see this [caramel sauce recipe].

FAQs

Do you have questions about baking the perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake? Fear not! I’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ section to address all your concerns and ensure your baking success:

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe? Yes you can use frozen bananas. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Thawed frozen bananas work just as well in this Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake ahead of time and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However it’s best to frost it just before serving for optimal freshness. Baking ahead makes serving this Banana Walnut Cream Cake a breeze.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts? Of course! You can substitute pecans almonds or any other nut that you enjoy. Just be sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces. Feel free to customize your Banana Walnut Cream Cake with different nuts.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free? Yes it is possible to make this cake gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. You may also need to add a binder such as xanthan gum to help with the structure of the cake. Be sure to follow the instructions on your gluten-free flour blend. Gluten-free baking is possible with this Banana Walnut Cream Cake recipe!
Why did my cake turn out dry? There are several reasons why your cake might have turned out dry. Overbaking is a common culprit so be sure to check for doneness frequently and avoid overbaking. Additionally ensure that you’re using the correct amount of ingredients and that you are measuring them accurately. Don’t overbake! A moist cake is essential for this Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
Why is my cream cheese frosting lumpy? Lumpy cream cheese frosting is often the result of using cream cheese and butter that are not at room temperature. Be sure to allow these ingredients to soften completely before making the frosting. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it can also help to prevent lumps. Smooth frosting adds a final touch to your stunning Banana Walnut Cream Cake.

The Final Slice: Your Key to Banana Walnut Cream Cake Bliss

There you have it! A complete and comprehensive guide to baking the perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake. This recipe is easy versatile and guaranteed to impress. Remember that baking is all about experimentation and having fun so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Happy baking and bon appétit! This Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a treat for any baker!