Banana Walnut Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of moist, flavorful cake, rich cream frosting, and crunchy walnuts. This cake is a dream for banana bread lovers, but with a luxurious twist. The soft texture of the banana-infused cake, combined with the decadent cream frosting, creates a heavenly treat that will melt in your mouth. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or even a simple indulgence, this cake is both easy to make and irresistible to eat.

What sets this banana walnut cake apart is the contrast between the moist, flavorful cake and the airy, sweet frosting. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The whipped cream frosting is the perfect finishing touch, light and fluffy yet rich enough to complement the dense cake. Whether you enjoy it after a family meal or serve it at a gathering, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a wonderful treat for banana and nut lovers alike. The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the ripe bananas, while the walnuts add a delicious crunch that balances the texture. The whipped cream frosting is light yet rich, making the cake feel indulgent without being too heavy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: using basic ingredients like bananas, walnuts, and butter, you can create a cake that tastes extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a homemade dessert, this cake is always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Ripe bananas (mashed)
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Sour cream or plain yogurt
Vanilla extract
Chopped walnuts

For the Cream Frosting:

Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Variations

Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts. You could substitute them with chocolate chips or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.
Flavored Frosting: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or banana extract to the frosting to enhance the banana flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter. Use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream for the frosting.
Banana Layer Cake: For a more dramatic presentation, divide the batter into two 9-inch cake pans and layer the frosting between the cakes.
Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This may take 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream frosting generously over the top of the cake. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts and banana slices if desired for an extra touch.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. Once chilled, slice and enjoy this heavenly, moist, and nutty cake!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the cake light and tender, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Chill the Frosting Bowl: For the best whipped cream frosting, chill the bowl and beaters in the fridge before whipping the cream. This helps it whip up faster and achieve stiff peaks.
Ensure Even Baking: If you’re using a different-sized cake pan, adjust the baking time accordingly. A thinner or thicker batter may require a shorter or longer bake time.
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before folding them into the batter enhances their flavor and adds extra depth to the cake.

How to Serve

This cake can be served as a showstopper at any event or simply as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. It pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra indulgence, you could drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup over the cake before serving. Serve this cake chilled to enjoy the full creamy frosting and balanced flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful, and the frosting will remain creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. For best results, freeze the cake without the frosting and frost it once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cake warm, remove the frosting, and microwave the cake for 10-15 seconds. Then, add fresh whipped cream or frosting before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and mash them before using them in the recipe.

2. Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Yes, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different nut.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting instead of whipped cream frosting for a different flavor profile.

4. How can I make the cake even more banana-flavored?

Add a teaspoon of banana extract to the batter for a more intense banana flavor.

5. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve it.

6. What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will give the cake a similar tanginess and moisture.

7. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

9. Can I freeze the cake with frosting?

While it’s best to freeze the cake without frosting, you can freeze the frosted cake for a short time. Just be aware the texture of the whipped cream may change after freezing.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9-inch pans or one larger pan for a bigger cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of bananas, the crunch of walnuts, and the fluffiness of cream frosting. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a slice of this moist, nutty cake in no time. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.