Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake

This is a stunning, three-layer celebration cake that combines the moist richness of banana bread with the elegance of a layered cream cake. Toasted walnuts add crunch in every bite, and a silky cream cheese frosting ties it all together.

Ingredients

For the Banana Walnut Cake:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (about 4 medium) very ripe mashed bananas
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
1½ cups (150g) toasted walnuts, chopped (reserve ¼ cup for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
6–7 cups (720–840g) powdered sugar, sifted
1½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Walnut Praline (Optional, for Decoration):

½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Toast Walnuts:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour three 8-inch cake pans, then line with parchment paper.
Spread walnuts on a baking sheet. Toast for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then chop.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and mashed bananas.
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Fold in 1¼ cups of the toasted walnuts.

3. Bake the Layers:

Divide batter evenly among the three pans (use a kitchen scale for precision).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low until incorporated.
Add vanilla and salt. Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

5. Make Walnut Praline (Optional Garnish):

Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Swirl gently until sugar dissolves, then cook without stirring until deep amber.
Immediately stir in walnuts, then pour onto the prepared sheet. Let cool completely, then break into shards.

6. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with about ¾ cup of frosting.
Repeat with the second layer. Top with the third layer.
Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake. Chill for 20 minutes.
Frost the cake with the remaining frosting. Press reserved chopped walnuts onto the sides or bottom edge.
Decorate the top with walnut praline shards and banana chips (optional).

🌟 Pro Tips for Success

Banana ripeness is key: Use bananas with heavily spotted, brown skins for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, even batter and frosting.
Toast the walnuts: This step is non-negotiable—it deepens their flavor and crunch.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to a dense, tough cake.
Chill before slicing: For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the frosted cake for 1 hour before serving.

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead

Room temperature: Keep for up to 2 days in a cool place under a cake dome.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

Why This Cake Is Special

This cake is the ultimate celebration of banana and walnut—a beloved flavor pairing turned into an elegant, layered dessert. The buttermilk ensures incredible tenderness, while the cream cheese frosting adds just the right tang to balance the sweetness. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Enjoy every moist, nutty, and creamy slice! 🍌🥂