Dreamy Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering vanilla banana walnut cake sparks pure culinary excitement for dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet bananas meld perfectly with rich vanilla notes in this irresistible treat.

Nutty walnuts add delightful crunch and unexpected texture to each delectable slice.

Bakers seeking comfort can rely on this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in your kitchen.

Minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness that will impress everyone around your table.

You’ll want to slice this cake and savor every single crumb.

Why You’ll Want a Slice of Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• This banana walnut cake brings irresistible joy to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
• Perfect for busy households, this recipe requires simple ingredients and delivers delightful results every single time.
• Transitions seamlessly from casual weeknight dessert to elegant potluck contribution, making it a go-to recipe for multiple occasions.
• Incorporates wholesome ingredients like bananas and walnuts, transforming a classic dessert into a slightly more nutritious indulgence.

Ingredients That Go into Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps create soft cake texture.
• Sugar: Sweet component that adds moisture and helps with cake's golden color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure for the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor with deep aromatic notes.
• Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and keep cake moist.
• Milk: Helps create smooth batter consistency and adds tenderness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural ingredient for cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor to cake texture.

Bake a Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 4: Incorporate Banana Magic

Mash ripe bananas and fold into the butter mixture. Stir until the bananas are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 5: Marry Ingredients Together

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped walnuts into the batter. Fold gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan(s), spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 9×13 pan or 25-30 minutes for round pans. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. Allow cake to cool completely before adding any frosting.

Sweet Tips for a Better Banana Walnut Cake

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile. Overripe bananas provide more intense banana taste and natural sweetness.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain moisture. Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender and soft, preventing tough or dense results.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor variations. Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect baking. Insert a toothpick into the cake's center- if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the batter for complex, sophisticated flavor notes. A teaspoon of optional extract can elevate the cake's overall taste profile.

Save and Heat Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake Properly

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap before placing in the container.
• Remove frozen cake slices from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore moisture and bring out the cake's soft texture. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra richness.

What Tastes Great with Banana Walnut Cake

• A rich, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel notes perfectly complements the cake's sweet banana and walnut flavors, enhancing the dessert's warm, comforting profile.
• Drizzle a smooth, homemade vanilla cream sauce over each slice to amplify the cake's vanilla undertones and add a luxurious, silky texture.
• Scoop a generous portion of caramel walnut ice cream alongside the cake to create a delightful temperature contrast and boost the nutty, sweet elements.
• A small glass of smooth butterscotch liqueur provides a sophisticated adult twist, echoing the cake's rich, sweet characteristics and offering a complementary flavor profile.

Fun Additions to Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make the cake safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap milk with almond or oat milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use ripe bananas for natural sweetness while reducing overall sugar content.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit walnuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake's texture and nutritional profile.

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Banana walnut cake brings classic comfort with delightful layers of sweet nostalgia. Creamy vanilla notes and crunchy walnuts meld perfectly, offering you a slice of pure homemade happiness.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped walnuts

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped walnuts (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a rectangular or two circular baking vessels with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift the flour, raising agents, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform texture and eliminating potential lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and aerated, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Mash ripe bananas until smooth and fold them into the butter mixture, creating a rich, fragrant base with gentle stirring motions.
6. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient blend into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to maintain a silky batter texture. Mix minimally to prevent toughening the cake’s crumb.
7. Delicately fold chopped walnuts throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a consistent nutty flavor in every slice.
8. Transfer the batter into prepared baking pan(s), smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
9. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes in a rectangular pan or 25-30 minutes in round pans, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean and dry.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before applying frosting or serving, enabling the texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Overripe bananas create the most intense, sweet flavor and ensure maximum moisture in your cake.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty essence and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to boost nutritional value without compromising texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use a reliable gluten-free flour blend and add an extra egg to improve binding and structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg