A Step-by-Step Guide to a Decadent, Comforting Dessert
If you love moist cakes with rich flavor and satisfying texture, Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a dessert you’ll return to again and again. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and softness, while crunchy walnuts add contrast and depth. Finished with a light, creamy walnut-studded frosting, this cake strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting.
Ideal for birthdays, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple to follow yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 2–3 ripe bananas (medium-sized)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Walnut Cream Frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
Optional Garnish
- Banana slices
- Walnut halves
- A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and add extra banana flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution during mixing.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step creates a soft, tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add Bananas and Sour Cream
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt). This combination keeps the cake exceptionally moist and balanced in flavor.
Step 7: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter using a spatula. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Walnut Cream Frosting
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts for texture and flavor.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of walnut cream frosting on top.
For a more decadent presentation, slice the cake horizontally and frost the center before topping.
Step 11: Garnish and Chill
Decorate with banana slices, walnut halves, or a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Walnut Cake
- Use very ripe bananas – brown-speckled bananas deliver the best sweetness and moisture.
- Toast the walnuts – lightly toasting them enhances their nutty flavor.
- Room-temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Optional spice boost: add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Banana Walnut Cream Cake offers the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—soft banana cake, crunchy walnuts, and a light, creamy frosting. It feels nostalgic yet refined, making it just as suitable for everyday enjoyment as it is for celebrations.
