Best Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

The Best Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a decadent dessert that combines moist banana cake with crunchy walnuts and a creamy frosting. It’s the perfect way to use ripe bananas and create a show-stopping treat for any occasion. This cake is rich, flavorful, and full of texture, making it a favorite for birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful afternoon indulgence.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake
• Recipe Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Add Bananas and Walnuts: Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

7. Beat the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using), and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

8. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Decorate with extra chopped walnuts, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.

Recipe Variations

• Banana Pecan Cake: Substitute the walnuts with pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Banana Cake: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a banana-chocolate twist.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an extra layer of indulgence.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of the cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas for added freshness.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of this cake with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for an extra touch of indulgence.

The Best Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the crunch of walnuts and the richness of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with family, this cake is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful taste of this heavenly dessert!