HEAVENLY BANANA WALNUT CREAM CAKE

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake combines moist banana cake layers, crunchy walnuts, and a rich cream cheese frosting for an irresistible dessert.

Introduction:

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is the perfect combination of soft, moist banana cake, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This dessert is a dream for banana bread lovers, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic banana loaf but in a beautiful cake form. The added crunch from walnuts provides a delightful contrast to the tender cake layers, while the cream cheese frosting brings a tangy sweetness that ties everything together. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or a casual weekend bake, this cake is sure to impress. Each slice is packed with flavor, and it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)

For Garnish:

• Extra walnuts (optional)
• Banana slices (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans.
2. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and, if needed, add milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the cake with additional chopped walnuts and banana slices.

How to Prepare:

• Storage Tip: Store the cake in the refrigerator if you’re making it ahead or have leftovers. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Serving Suggestion: For the best flavor, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Servings:

• Yields: 12-16 slices

FAQs:

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I substitute the walnuts?

• If you prefer, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or leave them out entirely if you’re not a fan of nuts.

3. Can I use low-fat ingredients in this recipe?

• You can substitute low-fat sour cream and cream cheese, but the cake may be slightly less rich. The texture should still be delicious!

4. How do I keep the bananas from browning on top?

• If you choose to garnish with banana slices, brush them lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.

5. Can I use frozen bananas?

• Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Conclusion:

The Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a dessert that truly lives up to its name. With its moist banana-flavored layers, crunchy walnuts, and smooth cream cheese frosting, each bite is pure bliss. It’s an ideal cake for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a sweet ending to a meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes this cake stand out, and its easy preparation means you don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve impressive results.