Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe

The Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is a delightful celebration of classic flavors, combining moist banana-infused layers with the rich crunch of toasted walnuts and a luscious cream cheese frosting that almost melts in your mouth. This cake is an inviting balance of sweet and nutty, perfect for bringing a smile to any dessert lover’s face. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing experience wrapped in every bite. Once you try this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe, it might just become your go-to for sharing joy with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this cake so irresistible.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that every great cake needs.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise with just the right lightness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with baking powder for fluffy, tender layers.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to the cake’s moist texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a lovely aroma.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
• 1/4 cup milk: Balances the batter’s consistency for fluffiness.
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and softness.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Toasted for a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for the luscious cream filling and frosting.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream): Adds a fragrant touch to the filling.
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for frosting with a hint of tanginess.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting): Smoothes and sweetens the cream cheese frosting beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Elevates the cream cheese frosting flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for topping): Adds a pretty, crunchy finish to your masterpiece.

How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, the perfect temperature to bake your cake evenly. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans meticulously to ensure your beautiful layers lift out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix forms the backbone of your cake, ensuring that it rises nicely and the texture is just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which results in a moist and tender cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

Beat the eggs in one at a time to keep the texture smooth and consistent. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, adding warmth and complexity to your batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream, Milk, and Bananas

Blend in the sour cream and milk for extra moisture and richness, then fold in the mashed bananas gently so the batter stays light but packed with fruity flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Walnuts

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the banana batter, stirring until just combined—overmixing can toughen your cake, so be gentle. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts for that delightful nutty crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Filling and Frosting

Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a fluffy, luscious frosting.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Spread a generous layer of cream filling between the two cooled cake layers, then frost the top and sides evenly. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top to add a final nutty touch and pretty presentation. Refrigerate until it’s time to serve for a perfect slice every time.

How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts on top not only adds a gorgeous visual appeal but also invites a pleasant crunch with each bite. For an even more delightful touch, consider a few banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon to enhance the cozy flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea, balancing sweetness with a comforting beverage. If you want a cooler contrast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream is perfect alongside each luscious slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake on a rustic wooden board for a homey vibe, or on a delicate cake stand for elegance. For special occasions, individual mini versions of this cake can be prepared in cupcake liners and decorated with tiny walnut pieces and a swirl of cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to mellow and deepen wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. For best results, freeze individual slices and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake tastes best cold or at room temperature because of the cream filling. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 30 minutes—avoid microwaving, which can melt the frosting and change the texture unpleasantly.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts that are not toasted?

Yes, you can use raw walnuts, but toasting them lightly really enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy layers beautifully.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This tweak will keep the texture tender without compromising taste.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute, offering the same tang and moisture to the batter.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash easily, giving the cake its signature moistness and rich banana flavor.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The flavor will still be deliciously satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite. From the moist banana layers to the creamy, luscious frosting, it’s a recipe worth baking over and over again. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and create memories around a cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

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