Are you ready to embark on a journey of flavors that will transport you to a world of sweetness and comfort? Today, we’re diving into the scrumptious world of the Banana Walnut Dream Cake! This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the classic combination of bananas and walnuts, brought together with the creaminess of a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress!
Its moist texture and delightful flavor make every bite a dream come true. The use of ripe bananas infuses the cake with natural sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft crumb. Not to mention, the cream cheese frosting adds an incredible richness that elevates this cake to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or enjoying it during a cozy afternoon tea, this cake brings warmth and joy, making it a favorite among friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Walnut Dream Cake
- Mouthwatering Flavors: The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Moist and Soft Texture: Thanks to the bananas and sour cream, this cake is incredibly moist and fluffy.
- Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe allows even novice bakers to achieve impressive results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Wednesday, this cake is perfect for any celebration.
- Beautiful Presentation: Decorated with creamy frosting and garnished with fresh bananas and walnuts, it looks as good as it tastes!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into baking the Banana Walnut Dream Cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it ample time to reach the perfect baking temperature. Next, gather three 8-inch round cake pans and grease and flour them to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to achieving clean cake layers later on.
For mixing, you will need two mixing bowls: one for the dry ingredients and another for creaming the butter and sugars. A whisk is ideal for combining the dry ingredients while an electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars effortless, creating that light and fluffy texture.
Don’t forget to have a rubber spatula on hand for folding in the walnuts and a cooling rack for letting the cakes cool properly after baking. With these tools ready, you are well on your way to creating a delightful cake.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)
- Sliced bananas and extra walnuts for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it heats, grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure your layers come out smoothly once baked. Having everything prepared before you start mixing ingredients will streamline your baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will serve as the dry foundation of your cake. By mixing them thoroughly, you ensure that the leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed, which is vital for a uniform rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is key to achieving a beautifully airy cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Incorporate the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This step further enhances the light texture by continuing to introduce air into the batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla
Stir in the ripe mashed bananas and vanilla extract into the mixture until fully integrated. The ripe bananas add not only flavor but also moisture to your cake, enhancing its tenderness.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 7: Fold in Walnuts
Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Divide the prepared batter evenly among the three cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake; the smell alone will be irresistible!
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage is essential for a perfect texture.
Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract. If you find the frosting too thick, incorporate milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 11: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, stack them with a layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Be generous with the frosting and then spread it over the top and sides of the cake for a smooth finish. Finally, garnish the top with sliced bananas and additional chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding protein powder for an extra nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetables: Add grated carrots for added moisture and a unique flavor twist.
- Spices: Enhance flavor by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredient mix.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe; the more spots on the peel, the sweeter they will be, making the cake more delicious.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Tips
- For best results, let the butter and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing, ensuring a smooth batter and frosting.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as pecans, for a different crunch!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep for up to five days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream for similar moisture and tang.
Conclusion
In summary, the Banana Walnut Dream Cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and absolutely scrumptious. With its moist texture, rich flavors, and creamy frosting, it is bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations to suit your taste, and encourage your loved ones to join in the baking fun!
This cake not only brings joy to your taste buds but also showcases the beauty of simple ingredients creating something extraordinary. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and embark on your delicious baking adventure! We can’t wait to hear how your Banana Walnut Dream Cake turns out. Happy baking!
Print
Banana Walnut Dream Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Banana Walnut Dream Cake is a scrumptious dessert blending ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)
- Sliced bananas and extra walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it heats, grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure your layers come out smoothly once baked. Having everything prepared before you start mixing ingredients will streamline your baking process.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will serve as the dry foundation of your cake. By mixing them thoroughly, you ensure that the leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed, which is vital for a uniform rise.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is key to achieving a beautifully airy cake.
- Incorporate the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This step further enhances the light texture by continuing to introduce air into the batter.
- Stir in the ripe mashed bananas and vanilla extract into the mixture until fully integrated. The ripe bananas add not only flavor but also moisture to your cake, enhancing its tenderness.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cake.
- Divide the prepared batter evenly among the three cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake; the smell alone will be irresistible!
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage is essential for a perfect texture.
- While the cakes are cooling, whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract. If you find the frosting too thick, incorporate milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, stack them with a layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer. Be generous with the frosting and then spread it over the top and sides of the cake for a smooth finish. Finally, garnish the top with sliced bananas and additional chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
Ensure your bananas are very ripe; the more spots on the peel, the sweeter they will be, making the cake more delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 5 g