Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is everything you want in a comforting yet elegant dessert—moist banana cake layers, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a silky cream topping that brings every bite together beautifully. The ripe bananas infuse the cake with natural sweetness and deep flavor, while the walnuts add satisfying texture and a warm nuttiness. I once folded in a hint of cinnamon to the batter, and it added just the right amount of cozy spice without taking away from the banana’s natural flavor. This cake works wonderfully for celebrations, potlucks, holidays, or those moments when you crave something nostalgic and homemade. The creamy frosting contrasts perfectly with the tender cake, making each slice luscious and memorable. Whether enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this cake always delivers a showstopping finish with minimal effort.
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake: A Moist, Dreamy Dessert with Classic Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender banana cake layered with a fluffy cream filling and studded with crunchy walnuts—sweet, comforting, and perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Cream Filling & Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- Extra chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until smooth; fold in chopped walnuts.
- Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Spread frosting between the cakes and over the outside.
- Sprinkle with extra walnuts and chill 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas
Bananas provide sweetness and moisture, helping create a soft, tender crumb. The riper the bananas, the stronger the flavor.
All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure of the cake while keeping it light and fluffy when properly measured.
Baking soda and baking powder
These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully, creating a soft, airy texture.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness of the bananas and enhances the overall flavor.
Butter
Softened butter adds richness and helps create a moist, velvety cake.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the batter and contributes to proper tenderness.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the cake’s sweetness and complements the banana flavor.
Walnuts
Chopped walnuts add warmth, crunch, and nutty depth to every bite.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting, adding a tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with banana cake.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream lightens the frosting, giving it a fluffy, cloudlike finish.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly and fold them into the butter mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the cream topping by beating the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Pour in the heavy cream and whip until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and finish with a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking takes 30–35 minutes, and cooling plus frosting takes an additional 40–45 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 1½ hours.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature and should not be reheated.
Variations and Customizations
Banana Chocolate Chip Cream Cake
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, sweeter variation.
Spiced Banana Walnut Cake
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy twist.
Brown Butter Banana Cake
Use browned butter in the batter for deeper, nutty caramel notes.
Maple Cream Frosting
Replace some of the powdered sugar with maple syrup for a smooth, earthy sweetness.
Banana Pineapple Cream Cake
Fold in crushed pineapple for a banana-split-inspired flavor.
Honey Walnut Crunch
Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with extra toasted walnuts.
Mascarpone Cream Topping
Replace some cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter, more delicate frosting.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for similar texture.
Caramel Drizzle Finish
Top slices with a swirl of caramel sauce for indulgence.
Layered Cake Version
Bake in round pans and stack with cream between layers for a more formal presentation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes—thaw, drain excess liquid, and mash before using.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture too much.
Should the cream topping be chilled?
Yes, chilling helps it set and makes the cake easier to slice.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely—pecans offer a slightly sweeter, softer crunch.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Why is my cake dense?
Avoid overmixing and check that your leaveners are fresh.
Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, but increase baking time slightly and avoid overfilling.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, bake for 18–20 minutes.
Does the cake freeze well?
Yes, freeze unfrosted or frosted slices tightly wrapped.
Can I lighten the frosting?
Use half the cream cheese and more whipped cream for a fluffier texture.
Conclusion
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake lives up to its name with its moist banana crumb, warm nutty crunch, and velvety cream topping. It’s a dessert that feels both homey and elegant, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. With its simple preparation and impressive flavor, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it chilled, enjoy the rich banana aroma, and savor a dessert that truly feels comforting and luxurious in every bite.
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