The Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is the kind of decadent dessert that makes you not just savor every bite, but also smile with every spoonful! Picture a moist, golden banana cake studded with crunchy walnuts, crowned generously in a billowy cloud of velvety whipped cream. Each forkful offers a perfect balance of sweet banana, subtle vanilla, toasty nuts, and airy frosting—a combination that feels both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply wanting to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon, this cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and warm hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe has a short ingredients list, but each and every one is a superstar in creating the signature flavor, texture, and dreamy look of the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe. Don’t skip the details—each ingredient brings something essential to the final result!
- Bananas: Make sure they’re really ripe; this is where your cake gets its natural sweetness and irresistible banana aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a cake that’s moist yet holds together beautifully after baking.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners team up for that perfect rise without any gumminess.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is your secret to a plush, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every layer while helping the cake brown just right.
- Eggs: Two large eggs give structure and contribute a subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making every bite taste homemade.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and guarantees your cake stays ultra-moist, not dry.
- Chopped walnuts: Add welcome crunch and an earthy, buttery flavor that pairs so well with banana.
- Heavy whipping cream (for frosting): Whips up into a cloud-like topping that’s indulgent without being heavy.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Ensures your frosting is lightly sweet and silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Boosts the flavor in the whipped cream topping.
- Garnish options (banana slices, chopped walnuts, caramel): These extras make your cake look bakery-perfect and even more tempting.
How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Get things rolling by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan—this helps your cake release effortlessly and keeps those edges delicate and golden. Investing a couple of extra moments here means a picture-perfect cake later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates an even blend, ensuring your cake rises evenly and each slice boasts the same tender texture. Trust me, this little step is the difference between “good” and “oh wow!”
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s pale, fluffy, and irresistible. This builds air into your batter, creating a soft crumb. Don’t rush this step—the fluffier, the better!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, fold in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream. You want a smooth, luscious mixture with splendid banana flavor from edge to edge.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is barely combined. Overmixing will make your cake dense, so light hands here are key. Lastly, gently fold in the chopped walnuts for that delightful crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely enchanting—and soon enough, golden perfection will be ready!
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This is one of those “patience, grasshopper” moments that makes for a flawless frosted finish, since the whipped cream will melt if applied to a warm cake.
Step 8: Make the Cream Frosting
In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This light, slightly sweet topping is truly what makes the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe unforgettable.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Spread the whipped cream gently and evenly over your completely cooled cake. Go wild with your favorite garnishes: extra walnuts, sliced bananas, or a drizzling of caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch. Keep the cake chilled until you’re ready to serve, for clean slices and ultimate freshness.
How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The quickest way to make your Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe look straight from a bakery window? Add a flourish of sliced bananas, a sprinkle of extra walnuts, or a casual drizzle of caramel sauce. Each choice not only looks inviting but amplifies the cake’s natural flavors—plus, it’s a fun opportunity to get creative!
Side Dishes
This cake absolutely shines solo, but if you’re feeling inspired, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a handful of fresh berries. For a full dessert spread, offer guests a pot of dark coffee or black tea—the bittersweet notes balance the cake’s sweet, creamy decadence beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? The Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is lovely as a single-layer beauty, but you can double the recipe for a show-stopping layer cake effect. Try cutting the cake into small squares for individual servings at a party, or serve in mason jars as parfaits with extra cream and bananas layered in between. No matter how you slice it, presentation is a snap!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left (and that’s a big “if”), wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. With the whipped cream topping, freshness is best if enjoyed within 1–2 days—after that, the cream may start to separate.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? You can freeze just the banana walnut cake (before frosting) for up to two months, well wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge. However, hold off on adding the whipped cream until just before serving for the best (and most luscious) results.
Reheating
If you insist on a warm bite, let the cake portion (sans cream) stand at room temperature, then gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds. Always frost with cold whipped cream just before serving; avoid reheating with cream, as it will melt and lose its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt will give the cake a slightly tangier flavor and equally moist crumb, making it a great substitute in the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe.
What other nuts work well in this cake?
Pecans are another classic choice, offering a different but equally delicious flavor. Feel free to experiment with hazelnuts or even a mix of your favorites.
How do I prevent my bananas from turning brown when garnishing?
Brush banana slices lightly with a bit of lemon juice before using them as garnish. This keeps them looking fresh and pretty atop your Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe.
Can I make this as cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes! Divide the batter among lined cupcake tins and bake at the same temperature for around 18–22 minutes. Frost as you would the whole cake for adorable, grab-and-go treats.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. Just make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for optimal structure and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
If you adore the cozy duo of banana and walnut, airy whipped cream, and a cake that’s as simple to make as it is stunning to serve, the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect “just because” treat or celebration centerpiece, so grab those ripe bananas and let the baking joy begin—you won’t regret a single bite!
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Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly goodness of this Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Moist banana cake loaded with crunchy walnuts, topped with a luscious cream frosting – a delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
For the cream frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For garnish (optional):
- Banana slices
- Chopped walnuts
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Fold in walnuts. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Prepare Frosting: Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate: Spread whipped cream over cooled cake. Garnish with bananas, walnuts, or caramel.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed chilled and within 1–2 days due to the fresh cream topping.
- For a layered cake, double the recipe and use two pans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
