Description
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake features moist, flavorful banana cake studded with crunchy walnuts and topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or special occasions, this American classic is easy to make and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for texture)
Topping (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch pans if making layers to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top with additional chopped walnuts and banana slices if desired.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to set the frosting and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For a layered cake, double the frosting recipe to have enough for filling between layers and the exterior.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days and should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.