If you have a soft spot for lush, comforting desserts, then you are absolutely going to adore this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of moist banana-infused cake laced with crunchy walnuts, nestled between clouds of silky whipped cream and crowned with a rich cream cheese frosting. This cake is a celebration of flavor and texture, perfectly balancing sweet and nutty while offering a luscious cream filling that feels like a dream in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or an indulgent everyday treat, this recipe brings out the cozy warmth of bananas and walnuts in the most spectacular way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is a joy thanks to its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors to life, ensuring your cake has that irresistibly soft crumb, nutty bite, and creamy finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and keeps it light.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a delicate crumb.
- Brown sugar: Brings a warm, caramel note to the cake.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aroma.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist while adding slight tanginess.
- Ripe bananas: The star ingredient, delivering natural sweetness and flavor.
- Chopped walnuts: Introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty complexity.
- Heavy whipping cream: For the airy, luscious cream filling between the layers.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the frosting smoothly.
- Cream cheese: Essential for the rich, tangy frosting that complements the banana cake flawlessly.
- Optional garnishes: Sliced bananas and toasted walnuts to add appeal and extra texture on top.
How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake the cake layers
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line their bottoms with parchment paper for easy release. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—that trio ensures your cake layers rise beautifully and have the perfect texture. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, setting the stage for a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each in thoroughly before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Next, fold in the mashed ripe bananas gently, making sure that flavor shines through each bite. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing will toughen the cake. Fold in the chopped walnuts for that iconic crunch. Pour the batter evenly into the pans, smoothing out the tops, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Whip the cream filling
While the cake layers cool, chill a mixing bowl and beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until firm peaks form. This whipped cream layer adds an airy, fresh contrast to the rich cake and frosting and will be the luscious middle layer that keeps every bite delightfully moist and creamy. Once beaten, refrigerate the whipped cream until you’re ready to assemble, keeping it fresh and fluffy.
Step 3: Make the cream cheese frosting
For that velvety coat around your cake, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Slowly add in powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to spread. The frosting is that divine finishing touch that makes this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe truly unforgettable, with its perfect balance of creamy sweetness and slight tanginess that complements the banana and walnut flavors.
Step 4: Assemble your cake
Start by placing one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream filling over it, carefully covering the top edge to create a soft, creamy middle. Gently place the second cake layer on top. Then, envelop the entire cake—the top and sides—with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out for a clean, inviting finish. Just before serving, decorate with banana slices and toasted walnut pieces for a beautiful, inviting presentation that will have everyone eager to dig in.
How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh banana slices and toasted walnuts add an inviting visual appeal while enhancing the textures and complementary flavors to the cake. The toasted walnuts give a deep, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet bananas and creamy frosting, while the banana slices offer a fresh, fruity bite that intensifies the cake’s banana goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe with a light cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk to balance the richness. For brunch or a special tea time, you might serve it alongside fresh berries or fruit salad to add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the cake’s decadence delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider layering the cake in elegant glass trifle bowls, alternating with extra whipped cream and banana slices to show off each luscious tier through the glass. You can also dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy hint, or drizzle with a smooth caramel sauce to elevate the flavor to an irresistible new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy each slice as if it were freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to save cake for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble and frost the cake after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature because of the cream filling and frosting. If you prefer, let slices sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly—avoid microwaving since it can melt the frosting and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts other than chopped in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts with pecans or even toasted almonds if desired. Each nut will add a slightly different flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the bananas and cream.
How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots; these are sweeter and more flavorful, giving the cake that irresistible banana taste and moist texture.
Can I prepare the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature if you plan to assemble the cake the next day.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin-based ingredients, just classic baking components.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you want a dairy-free version, consider substituting the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream for the whipped filling. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly heartwarming about the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe—each bite feels like a comforting hug wrapped in banana, nuts, and creamy layers. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just treating yourself to a slice of happiness, this cake has a way of making the moment feel special. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas, gather your ingredients, and dive into baking this incredible cake. You’ll be glad you did, and so will everyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Print
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour plus cooling and chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring moist banana-infused cake studded with crunchy walnuts, filled with fluffy whipped cream and crowned with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this American classic offers a delightful blend of creamy texture, nutty flavor, and natural banana sweetness.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the cream filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnish:
- Sliced banana
- Toasted walnut pieces
Instructions
- Make the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream for moisture and richness. Stir in the mashed ripe bananas to infuse natural sweetness and flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chopped walnuts gently for a crunchy texture. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops for even baking. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
- Make the cream filling: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean the cream holds its shape firmly and will provide a stable, light filling. Refrigerate this whipped cream until you are ready to assemble the cake to maintain its texture.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting adds a tangy and rich layer to complement the sweetness of the cake.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and evenly spread the whipped cream filling over it as the middle layer. Carefully top with the second cake layer. Use the cream cheese frosting to generously frost the top and sides of the assembled cake, smoothing it evenly. Garnish with fresh banana slices and toasted walnut pieces just before serving for an attractive presentation and added texture.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, chill the assembled cake for 1–2 hours before serving to let the layers set and flavors meld.
- Add sliced bananas between the layers for extra banana flavor, but only if serving the same day to prevent browning.
