Banana Walnut Dream Cake is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers! With its moist banana cake layers, crunchy walnuts, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a recipe bound to wow your taste buds. Garnished with fresh banana slices and more walnuts for a satisfying crunch, every bite is truly a dream. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s bake something unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Moist: The bananas make this cake incredibly tender and rich.
- Nutty Crunch: Walnuts add the perfect textural contrast to the soft cake.
- Creamy Frosting Bliss: Cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a tangy-sweet finish.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with banana slices and walnuts, it’s a feast for the eyes.
- Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you crave something special.
Ingredients for Banana Walnut Dream Cake
- Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 4 Ripe Bananas, mashed
- Mix-ins and Garnishes
- 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
- 1 ½ cups Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup Banana Slices, for garnish
- ¼ cup Walnuts, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula for frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a tender cake!
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth.
6. Add Bananas and Walnuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Divide and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Frost
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Spread cream cheese frosting between the layers, then over the top and sides.
9. Garnish and Serve
Top with banana slices and walnuts for the perfect finishing touch. Serve and watch it disappear!
What to Serve with Banana Walnut Dream Cake
Pair this dreamy cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s also delightful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Chill the Cake Before Slicing: Refrigerate the frosted cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work beautifully in place of walnuts.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving.
Conclusion
The Banana Walnut Dream Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and textures. Its moist banana layers, nutty crunch, and creamy frosting make it irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or savoring a slice solo, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you loved this recipe, try the refreshing Tropical Miracle Juice or treat yourself to decadent Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fat: 22g
Banana Walnut Dream Cake Recipe
Description
Dive into the irresistible charm of Banana Walnut Dream Cake! This moist and tender cake is infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, studded with crunchy walnuts, and enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Garnished with fresh banana slices and more walnuts, it’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 4 Ripe Bananas, mashed
- Mix-ins and Garnishes
- 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
- 1 ½ cups Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup Banana Slices, for garnish
- ¼ cup Walnuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts gently, taking care not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
- Spread cream cheese frosting between the layers, then over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with banana slices and walnuts before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt if needed.
- For a neater presentation, chill the frosted cake for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.