Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of baking! Today, we’re crafting a heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake that’s sure to win over the hearts of your family and friends. This cake is a celebration of rich flavors, boasting the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the delightful crunch of walnuts, all topped off with a luscious whipped cream frosting. Each slice is a symphony of textures, blending soft sponge with creamy topping, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready to cradle your cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you that delightful crunch in every bite.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula, creating an inviting surface for baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is perfectly baked.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely — this step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a dreamy frosting.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the whipped cream over the top, smoothing it out for that irresistible look.
- For a little extra flair, garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired, then slice and serve this gorgeous treat to your eager guests.
Notes or Tips
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you’re a fan of chocolate, a sprinkle of chocolate chips can elevate the richness of this cake. It also tastes fantastic cold, so don’t hesitate to refrigerate leftovers for a refreshing treat the next day!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the technique of creaming butter and sugar is essential for achieving a light texture in your cakes. Be sure to beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and pale. When folding in the walnuts, use a gentle hand to maintain the airiness of the batter. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process; allowing the cake to cool properly is key to preventing a soggy base and ensuring that frosting holds beautifully.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator after frosting to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer something different, chopped pecans or even chocolate chips work wonderfully as substitutes.
Conclusion
Sink your teeth into a slice of this Banana Walnut Cream Cake, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved recipe. It combines simple ingredients with love and care to create something truly remarkable. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just an afternoon treat, this cake will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy each moist, flavorful bite, and share the joy with those you love!