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Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

If you’re looking for a deliciously moist and flavorful cake, this Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting is about to become your new favorite dessert. Packed with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and topped with a luxuriously smooth frosting, this cake delivers the perfect balance of natural sweetness, rich texture, and irresistible creaminess.

The first time I made this cake, it was for a casual weekend gathering, and it vanished within minutes! My family loved the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the light crunch of walnuts took it to the next level. Now, this banana cake is a must-have in our home—especially when we have overripe bananas waiting to be used!

What makes this cake extra special is the perfect combination of flavors and textures—the deep caramelized banana taste, the light crunch of toasted walnuts, and the silky, rich frosting. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, brunch, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab those bananas, and let’s bake something amazing!

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Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

  • Super Moist & Fluffy: Thanks to mashed bananas and the perfect blend of ingredients.
  • Deliciously Nutty: The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
  • Incredibly Easy to Make: A simple batter that comes together quickly.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: A great cake for birthdays, holidays, or casual snacking.
  • Creamy & Dreamy Frosting: A silky frosting that complements the cake beautifully.

What You Need for Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

Ingredients

For the Banana Walnut Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted

For the Creamy Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (for consistency)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Extra chopped walnuts
  • Banana slices (added right before serving)
  • A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce

How to Make Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate the Bananas & Sour Cream: Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
  6. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in Walnuts: Gently stir in toasted walnuts for an extra nutty crunch.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour & Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 25–30 minutes (for a sheet cake) or 20–25 minutes (for round cakes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Frosting

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
  3. Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble & Decorate

  1. Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts and, if serving immediately, add fresh banana slices.
  3. Slice & Enjoy! Serve at room temperature or chilled for a denser texture.

Tips for the Best Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Dark, spotty bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Toast the Walnuts: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
  • Let the Cake Cool Completely: This prevents the frosting from melting when spread.
  • Add Extra Flavor: A splash of rum or maple syrup in the frosting gives it a unique twist.
  • Make it Layered: Double the frosting and stack two cake layers for an extra indulgent treat.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free version.
  • Swap the Nuts: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes.
  • Healthier Version: Swap sugar for honey or coconut sugar and use whole wheat flour.
  • Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Fold in chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate delight.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Reduce Sugar: Cut back on sugar or use natural sweeteners.
  • Use Greek Yogurt: Instead of sour cream for added protein.
  • Skip the Frosting: Enjoy the cake as a lightly sweetened banana loaf.
  • Go Oil-Free: Swap butter for applesauce for a lighter cake.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! This Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting is a heavenly, moist, and perfectly balanced dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, special celebration, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze banana cake?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

4. What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

Bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15 minutes until soft and dark.

Enjoy your Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting—a true classic with a delicious twist! 🍌🎂

Banana Cake with Crunchy Walnuts and Creamy Frosting

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • For the Banana Walnut Cake:
  • 2 cups 2 all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp 1 baking soda

  • 1 tsp 1 baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp 1 cinnamon

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large 2 eggs

  • 1 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)

  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted

  • For the Creamy Frosting:
  • 8 oz 8 cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups 2 powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp 1 vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp 2 heavy cream (for consistency)

  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • Extra chopped walnuts

  • Banana slices (added right before serving)

  • A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
  • Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
  • Incorporate the Bananas & Sour Cream: Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
  • Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in Walnuts: Gently stir in toasted walnuts for an extra nutty crunch.
  • Step 2: Bake the Cake
  • Pour & Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake Until Golden: Bake for 25–30 minutes (for a sheet cake) or 20–25 minutes (for round cakes) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Step 3: Make the Creamy Frosting
  • Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
  • Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Step 4: Assemble & Decorate
  • Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts and, if serving immediately, add fresh banana slices.
  • Slice & Enjoy! Serve at room temperature or chilled for a denser texture.

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