Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that a good banana cake can transform a regular afternoon into a little celebration. This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe captures that magic perfectly—it’s like the comfort of banana bread upgraded with a moist, fluffy cake texture and a luscious cream cheese frosting that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. I love this recipe because it feels special enough for parties but is so straightforward that you can whip it up on a cozy weekend afternoon.

One of the things that makes this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe stand out is those crunchy walnut bits tucked inside and on top, offering a lovely contrast to the soft cake and tangy frosting. You’ll find that the subtle cinnamon and sour cream in the batter deepen the flavors in a way that keeps people coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be looking for reasons to bake it again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe plays a delicious role. From ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cream cheese that adds richness, I like to use fresh, high-quality items to get the best results.

• Butter: Use softened butter to make sure it creams well with the sugars, giving the cake a light texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and helps the cake brown evenly.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that works wonderfully with bananas.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness—make sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
• Ripe bananas: Key to moisture and flavor—look for those heavily spotted, super ripe ones!
• Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the cake tender and moist over time.
• Vanilla extract: Helps bring all the flavors together with warmth and aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure builder; sift or whisk it to avoid lumps.
• Cornstarch: Gives a softer crumb by lightening the flour’s gluten grip.
• Baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, reacting with the acidity in the sour cream and bananas.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy, warm spiced note that pairs so well with banana.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing to avoid lumps.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps adjust the frosting’s consistency.
• Banana (for garnish): Thin coins to decorate the cake and give a fresh hint of banana.
• Walnuts: Roughly chopped to add crunch inside and on top.

Variations

I’m a fan of tweaking this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. It’s easily adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

• Add Chocolate Chips: I once added dark chocolate chips to the batter, and it took this cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Make it Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes or omit nuts altogether if you have allergy concerns.
• Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra cozy dimension.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter cake.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—but be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pans with cooking spray. Then, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial to giving your cake a tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Sour Cream

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. I love when the batter starts smelling like banana bread—that’s a good sign you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This prevents clumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix as that can make the cake dense. Then, fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a handful for the topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake as directed in your recipe. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. I usually start checking a few minutes before the timer—it’s the best way to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla and heavy cream, continuing to mix until you get a thick, creamy consistency that’s perfect for spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake layers are completely cool, frost between layers and all over the top and sides. Scatter the reserved chopped walnuts and arrange banana coins on top for an eye-catching finish. This presentation always gets compliments!

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here: thin banana slices placed neatly on top along with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. It gives a fresh, inviting look and hints at the flavors inside the cake. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of cinnamon for a little extra charm.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy chai latte for a cozy treat. If it’s brunch, fresh fruit salad or lightly toasted nuts complement the cake’s flavors beautifully without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes turn this into mini cakes using cupcake tins and swirl the cream cheese frosting on top with a star tip. Another fun twist I’ve tried is layering the cake with fresh banana slices inside for a surprise bite. Just changing the shape or presentation can make this recipe feel brand new!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover banana cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The cream cheese frosting holds up really well, but if the cake sits out too long, it can dry. Refrigerating also helps keep the frosting stable.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! If I want to save it for later, I freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and frost fresh—it tastes almost as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, I find reheating a piece gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds works wonders—just don’t overdo it or the frosting might melt too much. It’s like enjoying the cake fresh from the oven with minimal effort.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something indulgent yet familiar. I love how it combines simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying treat that never fails to impress family and friends. If you’re looking to bake something comforting with a little twist, I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cake!

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