Description
This luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake blends moist banana-rich crumb, aromatic vanilla, and a satisfying walnut crunch. Finished with either creamy custard or classic cream cheese frosting, it’s an irresistible and comforting dessert twist made for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 1/2 cup white + 1/2 cup brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
Add-Ins & Toppings
- 1/2–3/4 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups creamy custard or cream cheese frosting
- Banana slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8–9″ round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar (or sugar blend) on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Bananas and Sour Cream: Blend in the sour cream (or yogurt) and mashed bananas, stirring until everything is well incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled, which is normal.
- Combine and Fold: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Frost: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread the creamy custard or cream cheese frosting in an even layer over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate with extra chopped walnuts and banana slices. Chill briefly to set the frosting, then slice and serve your luscious cake.
Notes
- Using both brown and white sugar deepens flavor and adds extra moisture, but use any sugar combination you prefer.
- If using custard as a topping, make sure it is cool and thick enough to spread.
- The cake stays moist for days—store covered in the refrigerator if topped with frosting or custard.
- Fold in walnuts gently to retain a pleasant crunch.
- This cake is also delicious unfrosted or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg