Banana Walnut Cream Cake That’s Moist, Nutty, and Comfortingly Classic

Introduction

Banana walnut cream cake is a timeless dessert that feels both familiar and special. It brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and a smooth, creamy frosting that ties everything together beautifully. I started baking this cake as a way to use overripe bananas, but it quickly became a recipe I returned to even when I did not need to. The balance of flavors and textures makes it stand out from simpler banana cakes.

What makes this cake especially appealing is its versatility. It works just as well for casual family gatherings as it does for celebrations. The banana keeps the cake moist, the walnuts add contrast, and the cream frosting adds a soft, indulgent finish without overwhelming the cake itself. It is comforting, dependable, and deeply satisfying, the kind of bake that feels thoughtfully homemade from the very first slice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana walnut cream cake is soft, moist, and full of natural flavor. It uses simple ingredients, comes together easily, and delivers consistent results. The combination of fruit, nuts, and cream creates a well-balanced dessert that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas are the foundation of the cake. They provide sweetness, moisture, and depth of flavor. The riper they are, the better the final texture and taste.

All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure. It supports the moisture from the bananas while keeping the crumb tender.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, even crumb when creamed with butter.

Butter adds richness and flavor. It also contributes to the tender texture of the cake when properly creamed.

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure, helping the cake rise evenly.

Walnuts add crunch and a slightly bitter, nutty contrast that complements the sweetness of the bananas.

Baking powder helps the cake rise and prevents it from becoming dense.

Baking soda works with the acidity of the bananas to create a light, airy texture.

Salt balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cake.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

Heavy cream forms the base of the frosting, creating a smooth and luxurious texture.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream frosting while keeping it light and silky.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and greasing a cake pan. Mash the bananas until smooth and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts gently to avoid overmixing.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

To make the cream frosting, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and stable. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Equipment needed

Here 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.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This cake serves eight to ten people. Preparation takes about twenty minutes, baking time is forty minutes, and cooling and frosting require an additional thirty minutes. Total time is approximately ninety minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving. Reheating is not recommended due to the cream frosting.

Variations and Customizations

Banana walnut cream cake is easy to adapt based on taste and occasion. For a richer flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before folding them into the batter. This enhances their aroma and adds depth.

If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or fold in a small amount of cream cheese for added structure and tang. I tested this variation and found it added a pleasant balance to the sweetness.

Chocolate lovers can add chocolate chips to the batter for a banana bread-inspired twist. The combination of banana, walnut, and chocolate works particularly well.

For a dairy-free version, plant-based butter and whipped coconut cream can be substituted successfully. I have tried this with coconut cream, and it produced a surprisingly smooth and stable topping.

You can also bake the batter as cupcakes, adjusting the baking time accordingly, for an easy-to-serve option.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This cake provides carbohydrates from bananas and flour, healthy fats from walnuts, and protein from eggs and cream. Portion size can be adjusted easily, and substitutions allow for dietary flexibility.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before using.

Do the bananas need to be very ripe?

Yes, very ripe bananas give the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving.

Can I use a different nut?

Yes, pecans or almonds work well.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is balanced and not overly sweet.

Can I freeze the cake?

Freeze the unfrosted cake only, wrapped tightly.

What pan size works best?

A standard round or square cake pan works well.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce it, but texture may change.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking and store it properly covered.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, it is mild, soft, and family-friendly.

Conclusion

Banana walnut cream cake is a comforting, reliable dessert that highlights simple ingredients at their best. Its moist crumb, nutty texture, and smooth cream topping create a cake that feels both homemade and refined. Whether served for a celebration or enjoyed as a quiet treat, this cake is a timeless addition to any baking repertoire.

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