Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake: A Comforting, Moist Classic

If you’re a fan of moist, flavorful cakes that are easy to make and incredibly satisfying, you’re going to fall in love with this Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake. It’s the perfect dessert (or even breakfast!) that combines the sweet warmth of bananas with the delicate richness of vanilla and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts.

Whether you’re looking for a way to use up overripe bananas or just craving a cozy homemade treat, this cake delivers every single time. It’s a nostalgic favorite — think banana bread meets vanilla sponge cake, with just enough sophistication to serve at any gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

🍌 Moist and fluffy – thanks to mashed bananas and buttermilk
🌰 Nutty and textured – chopped walnuts add the perfect crunch
🍰 Infused with vanilla – gives a lovely depth of flavor
🥄 Simple ingredients – no complicated steps or tools
🎂 Versatile – perfect as a snack, dessert, or brunch treat
🧁 Easily adaptable – can be frosted, glazed, or enjoyed plain

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Ingredients

This recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake or a 2-layer 9-inch round cake. Serves 10–12.

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but delicious)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 ¼ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for more flavor)

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Optional Frosting Ideas:

You can leave the cake unfrosted or try one of these delicious options:

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Simple Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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How to Make Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon

Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

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Step 4: Add Bananas and Buttermilk

• Stir in the mashed bananas
• Add the buttermilk and mix until smooth
• Batter may look a bit lumpy — that’s okay!

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Step 5: Combine and Fold

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture
• Fold in the chopped walnuts

Don’t overmix — just combine until no streaks of flour remain.

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Step 6: Bake

• Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish
• Smooth the top with a spatula
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely if desired

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Step 7: Frost or Glaze (Optional)

Once the cake is completely cool:

• Frost with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with vanilla glaze, or enjoy it plain
• Top with extra toasted walnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar

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Tips for Success

✅ Use very ripe bananas — the blacker the better for maximum flavor and moisture
✅ Lightly toast your walnuts before folding them in to deepen the flavor
✅ Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing
✅ Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the cake dense
✅ Make it ahead of time — flavor intensifies as it sits

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Substitutions and Variations

🌿 Healthier option – Replace butter with coconut oil or use Greek yogurt for part of the fat
🍫 Chocolate lovers – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or a chocolate glaze
🍎 Apple twist – Stir in ½ cup finely chopped apples for a fruity variation
🥜 No walnuts? – Use pecans, almonds, or skip nuts altogether
🍋 Lemon glaze – Drizzle with lemon icing for a zesty contrast

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What to Serve With Banana Walnut Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with:

☕ A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or vanilla latte
🍦 A scoop of vanilla ice cream
🥣 A dollop of whipped cream or a yogurt topping
🍓 Fresh berries on the side for a refreshing touch

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

🕒 Make-Ahead:

• Bake the cake 1 day ahead and store tightly covered
• Flavor develops more overnight!

🧊 Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate if frosted with cream cheese — lasts 5–6 days

🥶 Freezing:

• Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic and foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving

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Nutrition Information (Approx. per slice – unfrosted)

• Calories: 310
• Carbs: 38g
• Sugar: 21g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

Nutritional values will vary based on frosting choices and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this into muffins?

Absolutely. Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier cake.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Use ½ cup milk + 1½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

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Why This Cake Works

✅ Combines banana bread comfort with vanilla cake elegance
✅ One-bowl method keeps it simple and quick
✅ Toasted walnuts offer crunchy contrast to the soft crumb
✅ The flavor improves with time — making it perfect for prep
✅ A versatile recipe you can dress up or keep humble

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Final Thoughts: A Cake for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just trying to rescue those spotty bananas on your counter, this Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is a must-bake. It’s a timeless, cozy recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to any table — and it’s just as delicious plain as it is dressed up.

Once you make it, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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