Banana Walnut Cream Cake – Moist, Nutty & Irresistibly Creamy
Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the warm crunch of walnuts, and a smooth, creamy frosting into one unforgettable treat. Moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, this cake is ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon dessert.
What makes this cake special is its texture and depth of flavor. The bananas keep the cake tender and soft, the walnuts add richness and contrast, and the cream frosting ties everything together with a light, luscious finish. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple yet indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Banana Walnut Cake
-
2½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¼ cup brown sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2–3 bananas)
-
½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
-
¾ cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Frosting
-
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2½ cups powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1–2 tbsp milk or cream (as needed)
Equipment Needed
-
Mixing bowls
-
Hand mixer or stand mixer
-
Spatula
-
9-inch round or square cake pan
-
Cooling rack
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is key for a soft, tender crumb.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Bananas and Milk
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. The batter may look slightly curdled at this stage—this is normal.
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts using a spatula.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Frosting
6. Beat the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more liquid if needed for a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake
7. Frost and Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts or banana slices if desired.
For a layered cake, slice the cake horizontally and frost between layers.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Walnut Cream Cake is delicious served:
-
With a cup of coffee or tea
-
Slightly chilled for a firmer frosting
-
As a dessert with fresh fruit on the side
The flavors deepen after a few hours, making it even better the next day.
Tips for the Best Banana Walnut Cake
-
Use very ripe bananas – brown spots mean more sweetness and flavor.
-
Do not overmix – overmixing leads to a dense cake.
-
Toast the walnuts lightly for extra depth of flavor.
-
Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Variations
-
Chocolate twist: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
-
Lighter frosting: Use whipped cream cheese frosting instead.
-
Spiced version: Add nutmeg or cloves for warmth.
-
Cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for 18–22 minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead
-
Refrigerator: Store frosted cake for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Unfrosted cake freezes well for up to 2 months.
-
Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.
Why This Cake Works
The bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, the walnuts add texture and richness, and the cream frosting balances everything with smooth, tangy sweetness. It’s a cake that feels homemade, comforting, and indulgent without being heavy.
Conclusion
Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Moist, nutty, and topped with creamy frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Easy to make and full of flavor, this cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.