Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

If you love moist, flavorful cakes with rich creamy layers and a touch of crunch, this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake will steal your heart from the very first bite. Imagine tender banana cake layers infused with ripe banana sweetness, toasted walnuts for crunch, and a silky cream frosting that ties everything together. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like comfort and celebration all at once — perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or lazy weekends when you just want something irresistibly good.


Why You’ll Love This Banana Walnut Cream Cake

This cake is pure dessert perfection. The flavor of ripe bananas gives it natural sweetness and moisture, while the chopped walnuts add texture and a subtle nutty depth. The creamy frosting — light yet luscious — makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Here’s why this cake is truly heavenly:

  • 🍌 Super moist texture – Thanks to ripe bananas and buttermilk.
  • 🌰 Crunchy walnuts – Add a delicious nutty contrast to the soft crumb.
  • 🍰 Creamy frosting – Smooth, fluffy, and not too sweet.
  • 🎂 Versatile treat – Perfect for any occasion or even as a breakfast indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Walnut Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

For the Cream Frosting:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

  • Crushed walnuts for topping
  • Banana slices (added right before serving)
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan if you prefer a sheet cake). Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.


Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.


Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.


Step 4: Add the Bananas and Buttermilk

Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix, or the cake may turn dense.


Step 5: Add the Walnuts

Fold in the chopped toasted walnuts gently. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma that enhances the banana flavor beautifully.


Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.


Step 7: Make the Cream Frosting

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

This frosting is rich yet airy — a perfect complement to the banana cake layers.


Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool:

  1. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream frosting on top.
  2. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  3. Decorate with crushed walnuts and a few banana slices or caramel drizzle if desired.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set.


Tips for Perfect Results

  • Use overripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
  • Toast your walnuts. Lightly toasting enhances their aroma and taste.
  • Don’t overmix. Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of tender.
  • Chill before slicing. It helps the frosting firm up and gives cleaner slices.

Variations to Try

Want to add your own spin? Here are some fun twists:

  • 🍫 Banana Chocolate Chip Cake: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter.
  • 🥥 Tropical Twist: Replace some of the walnuts with shredded coconut.
  • 🍯 Maple Cream Frosting: Substitute vanilla with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup.
  • 🍎 Apple-Banana Fusion: Fold in ½ cup of grated apple for extra moisture and flavor.

How to Store Banana Walnut Cream Cake

  • Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
  • Room Temperature: The frosted cake can sit out for up to 2 hours, but keep it chilled after that since it contains cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate it even more with:

  • A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side
  • A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea
  • Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for color and freshness

It’s also a crowd favorite at family gatherings, baby showers, or brunch buffets — it looks elegant and tastes even better than it looks.


Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Protein: 5g

This dessert is rich but satisfying, so a small slice goes a long way. The natural sweetness of bananas means you can use a little less sugar if desired.


The Secret to Its “Heavenly” Flavor

What makes this cake stand out is the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. The banana flavor is mellow and natural, while the walnuts provide a pleasant crunch that keeps each bite interesting. The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a light, velvety finish — not too heavy, not too sweet.

The aroma of baked bananas and toasted nuts fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug in dessert form. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s called Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake — it’s a taste of comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence all at once.


Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s both homey and sophisticated, Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for special occasions. The moist banana layers, the nutty crunch, and the creamy frosting combine to create a dessert that feels timeless and irresistible.

So grab those ripe bananas on your counter, toast some walnuts, and whip up this beautiful cake. Every bite is a reminder that the best desserts come from the simplest ingredients — and a whole lot of love. 💛

Print
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Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

For the cake:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)

For the cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (to thin)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans or line with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the frosting:
6. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk. Whip until light and fluffy.

Assemble:
7. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with frosting. Top with second layer. Frost top and sides.
8. Press chopped walnuts onto the sides and sprinkle on top.

Serve chilled or at room temp—each bite is moist, creamy, and full of banana-walnut goodness!

💡 Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance. Store covered in the fridge.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 25 mins , Cook Time : 30 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs (includes cooling) , Servings : 10 slices , Calories : 380 , Net Carbs: 48g , Fats: 20g , Protein: 5g

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