If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug straight from your kitchen, look no further than this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe. Picture layers of moist, tender banana cake intertwined with crunchy walnut bits, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a richness that delights every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or a show-stopping celebration cake, this recipe promises to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the ripened bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, to the walnuts that bring a satisfying crunch, these ingredients are carefully chosen to create a cake that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the cake providing natural sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and body.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Balances acidity and contributes to the perfect rise alongside baking powder.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake, rounding out the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with texture and moisture retention.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic sweetness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra moistness for a soft, rich bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Bring crunch and nutty flavor that complements the banana perfectly.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting that lends a smooth, tangy creaminess.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a silky texture in the frosting and balances the cream cheese’s tang.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading and decorating.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor of the frosting with a lovely aromatic touch.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for perfect spreadability.
How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out perfectly. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix will help your cake rise evenly and develop a great texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This process is key for creating a tender crumb and adding air, so take your time to get that perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One by one, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse your cake batter with warmth and depth, making every bite aromatic and delightful.
Step 4: Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream
Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is fully combined. The bananas bring moistness and natural sweetness, while the sour cream adds a subtle tang and makes the cake incredibly tender.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined — be careful not to overmix. If you love a bit of texture, gently fold in the chopped walnuts now to distribute their delightful crunch throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter equally between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition to create a fluffy frosting. Add the vanilla extract for brightness, and if it turns out too thick, stir in heavy cream or milk a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble Your Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Add the second layer and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top before serving.
How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finish. For a fresh, colorful twist, consider adding thin banana slices or edible flowers to make your cake look as lovely as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy, rich qualities of the dessert. Fresh berries also make for a fabulous complement, introducing a bright and tangy contrast that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cake on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homemade vibe or on elegant cake stands for special occasions. Cut into neat wedges or fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties — either way, this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since the cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving it. Instead, let frozen or refrigerated slices sit out for 30 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying. This preserves the frosting’s texture and the cake’s moist crumb perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or try adding dried fruit for texture.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, which will still provide the necessary tang and moisture for the cake.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For this cake, the riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with brown spots or those that are mostly brown — they’ll be sweeter and easier to mash, giving your cake richer flavor and natural sweetness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum or add some yourself to maintain the cake’s texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake after frosting?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Simply take it out about 30 minutes before serving so it can soften to room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels both indulgent and comforting, with every bite offering a perfect marriage of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. I can’t wait for you to try baking it yourself and watch it become a beloved centerpiece for your gatherings or a special personal indulgence. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds are in for a real delight!
Print
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration or a comforting treat, this cake offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, to incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until fully blended, adding moisture and richness to the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined to avoid over-mixing. Fold in the walnuts gently if using.
- Bake the Cake: Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove cakes from oven, let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with heavy cream or milk if necessary.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter, spread with frosting. Top with second layer, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and savor the rich flavors of banana, walnut, and creamy frosting.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
- If frosting is too thick, add cream or milk a teaspoon at a time for a spreadable consistency.
