Prepare to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort dessert: our Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake! This isn't just any banana cake; it's a masterpiece of moist, tender banana-infused layers studded with crunchy walnuts, all enrobed in a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds sing. It's the kind of cake that brings smiles to faces and requests for seconds.
Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your everyday baking, this recipe is your golden ticket. It's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You'll Love This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake
This cake hits all the right notes: it's sweet, but not overly so, with a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and incredible moisture, while the walnuts add a much-needed crunch and earthy undertone. And that frosting? It's pure bliss!
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
Imagine biting into a soft, fragrant cake layer, followed by the satisfying snap of a walnut, and then the smooth, creamy embrace of a perfectly balanced cream cheese frosting. It’s a textural dream! The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of walnuts, all brought together by the tangy, sweet frosting.
Essential Ingredients for Success
To achieve this heavenly creation, you'll need a few key ingredients. Super ripe bananas are non-negotiable – the browner, the better, as they offer the most flavor and moisture. Good quality walnuts, a staple in many baking recipes, make all the difference. And of course, full-fat cream cheese for that lusciously thick frosting.
Tips for a Fluffy Cake and Silky Frosting
Baking a showstopper like this requires a few insider tips to ensure perfection every time:
Don't Overmix!
Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake. A light hand ensures a tender crumb.
Room Temperature Ingredients are Key
For both the cake batter and the frosting, ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, consistent batter and a lump-free, silky frosting. For tips on how to quickly get bananas to the perfect ripeness, check out this guide from Food Network.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the flavors of the banana and cream cheese to truly shine. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days due to the cream cheese frosting. If you're planning to serve it at an event, bring it out of the fridge about an hour before serving to let it soften slightly.
Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve it as the grand finale to a dinner party. It's versatile, satisfying, and utterly delicious!
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will impress everyone who tries it. This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience!
FAQs
What makes this banana walnut cake 'heavenly'?
This cake earns its 'heavenly' title from its incredibly moist banana-infused layers, the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts, and a generous, tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Can I make this banana walnut cream cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is excellent for making ahead. You can bake the cake layers up to 2-3 days in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble and frost the cake closer to serving for the best results.
What's the best way to store leftover Banana Walnut Cream Cake?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, leftover banana walnut cream cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal flavor and texture, allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts in this recipe?
While walnuts are classic, you can certainly experiment with other nuts! Pecans are a fantastic alternative, offering a similar crunch and buttery flavor. Almonds or even a mix of nuts could also work, though they would alter the traditional flavor profile.
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Nuts
Description
Indulge in layers of moist, fragrant banana cake studded with crunchy walnuts, all smothered in a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 large bananas)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (plus extra for garnish)
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the toasted chopped walnuts.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Step 11: Add milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Step 12: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the layers and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts, if desired. Slice and serve!
Notes
Ensure bananas are very ripe (with brown spots) for the best flavor and moisture. Toasting the walnuts beforehand enhances their flavor significantly. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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