Banana Walnut Cream Cake
Moist, nutty, and layered with luscious cream cheese frosting—this cake is a true celebration of classic flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed)
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced fresh banana (add just before serving to prevent browning)
- Chopped toasted walnuts
- A drizzle of honey or caramel
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Mix in the mashed bananas.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
2. Bake:
- Bake for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and enough cream or milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with banana slices and extra chopped walnuts just before serving.
Tips:
- For extra texture and flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Add a touch of lemon juice to the banana slices to prevent browning if you’re preparing them ahead of time.