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
Scale
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.
