Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly exceptional Banana Walnut Cake! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Loaded with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts, this cake offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will enchant your palate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility: the ingredients are staples in most kitchens, meaning you can whip up this delightful treat without an extra trip to the grocery store.
Whether you’re an experienced baker with a passion for homemade goodies or a novice stepping into the world of desserts, this Banana Walnut Cake recipe is designed for success. It comes together remarkably quickly, requiring minimal effort – just about 20 minutes of active prep time using a couple of bowls and a stand or hand mixer. Its versatility makes it perfect for a decadent dessert after dinner, a delightful snack with your afternoon tea, or even a comforting coffee cake alternative to kickstart your day. If you find yourself with a few overripe bananas on hand, this recipe is the perfect solution, transforming them into a culinary masterpiece that everyone will adore.
If you’re a fan of luscious fruit-infused cakes, we invite you to explore more of our delightful creations. Be sure to try our Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, known for its warm spices and buttery crumb topping, and our elegant Pear Upside-Down Cake, which features caramelized pears for a truly sophisticated touch.
Why This Banana Walnut Cake Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons why this Banana Walnut Cake stands out and will quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. Here’s what makes it so irresistibly good:
- Unforgettably Rich: This isn’t a dry, crumbly cake. It boasts a luxurious richness thanks to a trio of delectable ingredients: wholesome butter, creamy Greek yogurt, and decadent cream cheese in the frosting. These elements combine to create an incredibly moist crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines indulgence.
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is a celebration of taste. The deep, sweet essence of ripe bananas forms the heart of this cake, beautifully complemented by the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon and pure vanilla extract. Plenty of sugar ensures a perfectly balanced sweetness, making it a genuinely delightful treat for any sweet tooth.
- Delightfully Crunchy: What sets this cake apart is the fantastic textural contrast. The generous addition of finely chopped walnuts woven throughout the batter, and sprinkled on top, provides a satisfying crunch that plays wonderfully against the cake’s tender, moist interior. This harmonious blend of soft and crisp elevates the entire eating experience.
- Simple to Master: Despite its gourmet taste, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. Our clear, step-by-step instructions ensure that bakers of all skill levels can achieve perfect results every time. It’s a rewarding recipe that delivers impressive outcomes with minimal fuss.
- A Perfect Way to Use Ripe Bananas: Say goodbye to throwing away overripe bananas! This recipe transforms them into a star ingredient, maximizing their natural sweetness and contributing to the cake’s exceptional moisture. It’s an economical and delicious way to prevent food waste.
Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Walnut Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards baking this marvelous cake. You’ll find that most of these are likely already in your pantry, highlighting the convenience and home-friendly nature of this recipe. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients will always yield the best results.
- Dry Ingredients: These form the foundational structure and flavor of your cake. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda (the dynamic duo for lift and tender crumb), a dash of warm ground cinnamon for that signature spice, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors. For an intriguing twist, consider adding a touch of freshly grated nutmeg or a hint of ground ginger to deepen the spice profile.
- Wet Ingredients: These components are key to the cake’s incredible moisture and rich texture. Creaming together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar creates an airy base. The moistness is further developed with large eggs (which also provide structure), fragrant vanilla extract, and creamy Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds a delightful tang and ensures a super moist crumb; if preferred, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or even buttermilk for a slightly different flavor profile. Remember, using room temperature wet ingredients is crucial for a smooth, emulsified batter.
- Mashed Banana: This is the star of the show! For the best flavor, sweetness, and ease of mashing, always use very ripe bananas – those with plenty of brown spots on their peels. The riper they are, the more natural sugar they contain, translating to a sweeter, more aromatic cake. Two cups of mashed banana will give you the perfect amount of banana goodness.
- Chopped Walnuts: These provide the irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet bananas. Adding chopped walnuts directly into the batter before baking ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the cake, so every slice gets a delightful textural surprise. For an even deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor, lightly toast your walnuts in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The crowning glory of this cake! This luscious frosting starts with softened butter and tangy cream cheese as its base. Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) provides the sweetness and structure, while a generous splash of vanilla extract infuses it with warmth and aroma, creating a truly irresistible topping.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts on top of the frosted cake not only adds an elegant visual appeal but also serves as a delicious indicator of the nutty goodness tucked within.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Banana Walnut Cake
Baking this Banana Walnut Cake is a joyous and straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a flawless and delicious result every time. Precision and patience are your best friends in the kitchen!
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, promoting an even rise. Next, generously grease a 10-inch springform pan with baking spray, or butter and flour. A springform pan makes for easy removal and beautiful presentation, but a well-greased and floured bundt pan or even two 8-inch round cake pans can also be used, adjusting baking time as needed.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cake’s texture and rise. Set this bowl aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes visibly light, pale, and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender and light cake texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and the mashed ripe bananas. Continue to beat on low speed until all these wet ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent over-developing the gluten in the flour.
Step 5: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the prepared flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three batches, mixing on the lowest speed until just combined after each addition. The key here is to mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough, dense cake. Once the batter is mostly smooth, gently fold in the chopped walnuts using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed without crushing them or overmixing the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection. Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared springform pan. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes in the pan. This cooling period helps the cake set and prevents it from breaking when removed.
Step 7: Prepare the Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting. While your cake is cooling, you can prepare the divine cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until they are light, creamy, and thoroughly combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and lump-free. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk or cream (about a teaspoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to make it too thin.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish the Cooled Cake. Once the cake has cooled completely, gently run a knife around the edges of the springform pan, then release and remove the sides. Transfer the cooled cake to your serving platter. Using an offset spatula or knife, generously spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake, creating beautiful swirls or a smooth, even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts over the frosted cake for an appealing finish and an extra touch of nutty flavor and crunch. Slice and serve this magnificent cake, and prepare for rave reviews!
Expert Tips for the Best Banana Walnut Cake
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few key insights. These tips will help ensure your Banana Walnut Cake is nothing short of spectacular:
- Embrace Overripe Bananas: The browner, the better! Bananas with ample brown spots are naturally sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash and imparting maximum banana flavor and moisture to your cake. Avoid using under-ripe or green bananas.
- Toast Your Walnuts: For an enhanced, deeper, and more pronounced nutty flavor, take a few minutes to toast your chopped walnuts. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, or spread on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding to the batter or using as a garnish.
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of dry flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough, and chewy cake rather than a tender, fluffy one.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter, fluffier frosting. Cold ingredients won’t combine as effectively and can result in a lumpy batter or frosting.
- Patience is a Virtue: Cool Completely: It’s tempting to frost a warm cake, but resist! The cake must be completely cooled before you apply the cream cheese frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off, creating a messy rather than a beautiful finish.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Always grease and flour your springform or bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking. Even with a non-stick pan, this extra step ensures a clean release and preserves the cake’s integrity.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For the most accurate measurement, spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly with the measuring cup can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry cake.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Banana Walnut Cake
This delightful Banana Walnut Cake is truly wonderful on its own, but certain accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are some suggestions to complement its rich flavors and moist texture:
- Classic Beverages: A cold glass of milk is a timeless and comforting choice, perfect for cutting through the cake’s sweetness. For adults, a freshly brewed cup of coffee provides a lovely counterpoint with its slight bitterness, while a warm mug of herbal tea offers a soothing pairing.
- Aromatic Coffee Delights: Take your coffee pairing up a notch! Serve your cake with a frothy Viral Dalgona Coffee for an extra special treat that combines creamy textures and a rich coffee flavor. Alternatively, a classic espresso or a creamy latte would also be exquisite.
- Creamy Indulgences: For a truly decadent dessert, serve a slice of warm Banana Walnut Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy elements provide a beautiful contrast to the cake’s warmth and spices.
- Fresh Fruit Accents: A side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or sliced strawberries, can add a refreshing tartness and vibrant color that brightens the cake’s rich profile. A simple fruit compote would also be a fantastic addition.
- A Touch of Caramel: Drizzle a little homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your slice of cake and ice cream for an extra layer of sweet, buttery flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the banana and walnuts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Walnut Cake
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality, cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum (or add it according to package directions if it doesn’t) to achieve the best texture and structure for your cake.
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully for muffins! To make muffins, prepare your muffin tins by greasing them or lining each hole with paper liners. Fill each muffin tin approximately two-thirds full with batter. Bake the muffins in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before frosting, if desired.
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you have a few excellent alternatives. You can swap it for an equal amount of plain natural yogurt, which will provide similar moisture and tang. Buttermilk is another fantastic substitute, contributing to a tender crumb and a slight acidity that enhances the leavening agents.
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before freezing. You can freeze it frosted or unfrosted. Wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
To maintain its freshness and deliciousness, store any leftover Banana Walnut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. For the best eating experience, always allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This softens the frosting and enhances the cake’s flavors and textures.
Explore More Delicious Cake Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with this Banana Walnut Cake, we’re sure you’ll enjoy these other fantastic cake recipes from our kitchen. Each one promises unique flavors and textures to delight your taste buds!
- Chocolate Cake with Pears: A sophisticated blend of rich chocolate and tender, sweet pears.
- Pear Bundt Cake: An elegant and moist cake featuring the delicate flavor of pears, perfect for any gathering.
- Easy Blueberry Breakfast Cake: A simple yet delightful cake bursting with fresh blueberries, ideal for a sweet breakfast or brunch.
- Best Moist Carrot Cake: Our top-rated recipe for a wonderfully moist and spiced carrot cake, complete with a creamy frosting.
- Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake: A comforting cake featuring spiced apples and a buttery, irresistible crumb topping.
Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and loved by all, this Banana Walnut Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a timeless classic that infuses your home with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goodness. It’s truly an excellent and delicious way to make the most of those perfectly ripe, slightly spotted bananas that might otherwise go unused. We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to bake and share this wonderful creation with your loved ones.
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Print Recipe
Banana Walnut Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cups mashed banana
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
For cream cheese frosting
- 8 ounce cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan with baking spray, then set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and mashed banana to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed for a couple more minutes until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture in batches to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently stir the chopped walnuts into the cake batter using a spatula, folding them in until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the cake batter to the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Slowly remove the springform pan by loosening the sides and fully transfer to the wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat them together for 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer until light and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners sugar in batches to the frosting mixture, beating until the frosting turns light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, top it with the prepared cream cheese frosting. Spread evenly and then sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts on top for garnish.
- Slice and serve your delicious Banana Walnut Cake!
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, always use very ripe bananas (with brown spots).
- Ensure your springform pan is thoroughly greased and floured to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
- It is crucial to let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before enjoying for optimal taste.
- For a deeper nutty flavor, lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
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Carbohydrates: 76g
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Protein: 11g
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Fat: 27g
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Saturated Fat: 13g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 95mg
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Sodium: 325mg
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Potassium: 308mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 51g
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Vitamin A: 687IU
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Vitamin C: 3mg
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Calcium: 156mg
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Iron: 2mg
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