Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of sour cream, and the crunch of toasted walnuts. This cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special celebration. It’s simple to make, yet it delivers a luxurious taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Variation: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra sweet touch.
2. Frosted Version: Top the cooled cake with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for an added layer of flavor.
3. Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and sour cream for a plant-based version.
4. Banana Bread Style: Skip the walnuts for a more traditional banana bread texture.
5. Spices: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: Gently warm slices of cake in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or serve it chilled, depending on your preference.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake may be denser.
2. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
3. What can I substitute for sour cream?
   You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream.
4. Can I make this cake without walnuts?
   Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free cake or substitute them with chocolate chips.
5. Can I use overripe bananas?
   Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! They provide extra sweetness and moisture to the cake.
6. Can I make this in a different-sized pan?
   Yes, but baking time may vary. If you use a larger pan, the cake will bake faster; if you use a smaller pan, it may take longer.
7. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake a day or two ahead of time. It stays moist and flavorful when stored properly.
8. Can I add other fruits to this cake?
   Yes, you can add other fruits such as blueberries or chopped apples for a different twist.
9. What should I do if the cake is too dry?
   Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and check that you are using the correct amount of wet ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon or two of milk if the batter seems too thick.
10. How can I make the cake even more banana-flavored?
    For a stronger banana flavor, add an additional half or full banana to the batter.

Conclusion

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich creaminess of sour cream. With its moist texture and crunchy walnut topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, as an after-dinner dessert, or simply enjoying it with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress.

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