Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana and walnut pair beautifully in this cake, offering a combination of moist, aromatic cake layers with the subtle crunch of toasted walnuts. The whipped cream frosting adds a light and airy contrast, making every bite an indulgent experience. The ease of preparation and straightforward ingredients make this cake a go-to recipe for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Ripe bananas, mashed
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Walnuts, toasted and chopped

For the Banana Filling:

Ripe bananas, sliced
Lemon juice
Brown sugar (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

Extra walnuts, banana slices, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle

Directions

Prepare and Toast the Walnuts: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until browned and fragrant. Let cool.
Make the Cake Batter: Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, bananas, and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients and incorporate them alternately with buttermilk.
Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold toasted walnuts into the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into greased cake pans and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling and Frosting: Slice bananas and mix with lemon juice and optional brown sugar. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake: Layer the cake, adding banana slices and cream between layers, then frost the top and sides with whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor.
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Make a dairy-free version by substituting butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and assemble it on the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?

Fresh, ripe bananas work best, but if you have frozen bananas, be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

3. How do I toast walnuts?

Spread chopped walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

4. Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Yes, you can skip the walnuts for a nut-free version or substitute them with another mix-in like chocolate chips.

5. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or a buttercream frosting if you prefer.

6. How do I prevent the bananas from browning in the filling?

Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing and turning brown.

7. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will give the cake a lighter texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

9. How can I make the frosting fluffier?

Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to ensure it achieves stiff peaks.

10. Can I add frosting between the cake layers?

Yes, adding frosting between the layers will enhance the cake’s creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a delightful treat that will surely impress your guests. The combination of moist banana cake, toasted walnuts, and creamy frosting makes it an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a sweet moment, this cake is sure to satisfy every craving.

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a moist, aromatic cake made with ripe bananas, crunchy toasted walnuts, and topped with a light whipped cream frosting. Its layers of indulgent banana filling and creamy frosting create a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. A true crowd-pleaser, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Instructions

Prepare and Toast the Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for 8-10 minutes until they are browned and fragrant. Let them cool.
Make the Cake Batter: Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk until smooth.
Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold the toasted and chopped walnuts into the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling and Frosting: For the filling, slice bananas and toss them with lemon juice and optional brown sugar. For the frosting, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake: Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter, and spread a layer of banana slices and whipped cream between the layers. Frost the top and sides with the whipped cream frosting.
Garnish (Optional): Add extra walnuts, banana slices, chocolate shavings, or a caramel drizzle for decoration.

Notes

Nut Alternatives: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute walnuts with pecans for a slight flavor variation.
Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a sweet, chocolaty contrast to the bananas and walnuts.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream for a dairy-free version of this cake.
Layering Tip: For even layers, you can slice the cakes in half horizontally after cooling, and fill each layer with banana slices and cream.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American