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Classic Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.4 from 145 reviews

This Classic Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy toasted walnuts. A tender, spiced banana cake is baked to perfection and topped with a rich, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Walnut Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3–4 large bananas)
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the cake.
  2. Toast Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil with granulated and brown sugars until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Mash & Add Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until mostly liquid with some lumps remaining. Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the wet ingredient mixture and whisk together.
  6. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold together just until no dry streaks remain—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  7. Add Walnuts: Gently fold the cooled toasted walnuts into the batter ensuring even distribution.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cool to the touch, remove from the pan and let it cool completely before frosting.
  10. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  11. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Using very ripe bananas is key to maximizing flavor and moisture in this cake.
  • Toasting the walnuts enhances their nutty aroma and crunch, but this step is optional.
  • Do not overmix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
  • Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: banana cake, walnut cake, cream cheese frosting, banana walnut cake, classic banana cake, moist banana cake, homemade banana cake

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/classic-banana-walnut-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/