Name: Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1⅓ cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 brown, speckled, over-ripe bananas); ⅔ cup melted butter (salted or unsalted); 2 large eggs (room-temperature); 1¼ cups packed light brown sugar; 1 cup whole milk (room-temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted, optional garnish more walnuts); 1 (8.8 oz/250g) block cream cheese (room-temperature); ½ cup salted butter (or unsalted butter + ⅛ teaspoon salt, room-temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 3½ cups powdered sugar (sifted or whisked to remove clumps)

I am so excited to share this delightful Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that never fails to impress me. This cake is a perfect harmony of moist, tender banana-infused layers studded with toasted walnuts, all wrapped in a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite brings me back to cozy family gatherings and special celebrations, and I know you’ll love making and sharing it too!

Why You'll Love This Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

From the very first time I baked this cake, I was hooked on the wonderful flavor balance. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas melds perfectly with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, while those toasted walnuts add just the right amount of crunch and earthiness. Topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake feels like a comforting hug in dessert form.

I also find this recipe wonderfully approachable. It uses straightforward ingredients, and the steps are easy enough for a weekend project but impressive enough to serve at parties or holiday dinners. The batter mixes quickly, and the baking time is just right to keep it moist and tender without fussing over it.

Whether I’m slicing it up for a casual afternoon tea, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet after dinner, this cake always feels like the perfect choice. It stands out because it’s not overly sweet, it has a beautiful texture contrast from the walnuts, and that cream cheese frosting adds a dreamy finish that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl placed on a white marbled surface holds several ingredients ready to be mixed. Inside, there are two cracked eggs with bright yellow yolks and clear egg whites, some light brown sugar clumps, a dollop of white creamy substance, and beaten egg mixture parts creating a swirled pattern. A woman's hand is using a white spatula with a wooden handle to stir the ingredients together. The overall colors include warm yellows, light browns, and creamy whites all blending inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love how this recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create both texture and flavor. Each one plays an essential role—from the ripe bananas giving moisture and natural sweetness, to the cinnamon adding a cozy spice, and the walnuts providing a satisfying crunch inside the soft cake layers.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the banana beautifully.
Baking powder: Essential for a light and fluffy crumb.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Ripe mashed bananas: Use super ripe bananas for maximum moisture and sweetness.
Melted butter: Brings richness and helps develop a tender crumb.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
Light brown sugar: Adds depth and slight molasses flavor to the cake.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender; whole milk gives the best richness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors, giving that warm aromatic note.
Chopped walnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and a nutty flavor burst inside the cake layers.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
Butter (for frosting): Adds silkiness and balances the cream cheese’s tang.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth, spreadable texture.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper. This trick helps keep the cake layers tender and makes them easy to release.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined. Mixing your dry ingredients first ensures your cake batter comes together smoothly.

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, eggs, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’d like, you can toast the walnuts ahead for a richer flavor—just be sure they’re cooled before mixing in.

Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing out the tops. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures your frosting won’t melt or slide off.

Step 8: While your cakes cool, make the frosting by beating room temperature cream cheese and butter until silky smooth using a stand mixer or electric beaters. Add the vanilla extract, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar a little at a time, beating on low until fully incorporated and creamy.

Step 9: Assemble the cake by placing one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer over it and frost the top and sides evenly. For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top as a garnish if you like.

Servings and Timing

This Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe yields approximately 10 to 12 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The prep time is about 45 minutes, including mixing and preparing pans. Baking takes 20 to 25 minutes, followed by a cooling period of around 15 minutes in the pan and additional cooling on a rack before frosting. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a wonderful baking project with a satisfying payoff.

How to Serve This Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A round cake with two visible layers sits on a white plate against a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown, while the top layer is a thick, smooth, light cream-colored frosting spread evenly across the top and sides. Three slices are cut out, showing the contrast between the cake and the frosting. The top center has small pieces of chopped walnuts in a loose cluster, adding texture and a light brown color spot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve this cake, I like to pair it with a simple cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee; the robust flavors balance the cream cheese’s tang and the sweetness of the bananas. For a festive twist, I’ve also enjoyed it alongside spiced chai lattes or a glass of lightly chilled sparkling wine. If you’re serving this at a brunch or a birthday party, adding fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting really brightens the look and taste.

Presentation-wise, I love slicing my Banana Walnut Cake into generous wedges, so everyone feels indulged. Serving it at room temperature helps the frosting maintain a smooth texture that’s easy to cut through, but some people prefer it slightly chilled, which firms up the cream cheese frosting beautifully.

This cake is a fantastic choice for cozy family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even holiday celebrations. It’s special enough to impress guests but homey enough to feel like a comforting treat you can enjoy anytime. Don’t be shy about making it the centerpiece of your dessert table!

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how flexible it is to tweak according to taste and dietary needs. For example, if walnuts aren’t your thing, chopped pecans or even toasted almonds make wonderful substitutes and offer a slightly different crunch and flavor dimension.

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, I’ve had great success using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure. For a vegan version, swapping out the butter for plant-based margarine, using flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and a dairy-free cream cheese works well, though the texture changes slightly.

For a flavor twist, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter or mixing a teaspoon of espresso powder into the frosting to highlight the banana notes. You can even bake the batter into a bundt pan or muffin tins for bite-sized treats. Just adjust baking times accordingly.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. This helps the cream cheese frosting stay fresh. I usually enjoy leftovers within 4 to 5 days to savor the cake at its best before it starts losing moisture or freshness.

Freezing

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! I like to freeze individual cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in freezer bags to protect against freezer burn. The frosting freezes well too, either kept in an airtight container or as part of the whole cake if fully iced. Frozen this way, the cake maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

When reheating slices of this banana walnut cake, I recommend letting them come to room temperature naturally or microwaving a slice for about 15 seconds to take the chill off without drying it out. Avoid reheating too long or in a conventional oven, as the cream cheese frosting may melt and the cake can dry out. The goal is a warm, soft slice that still showcases the rich frosting and moist cake layers.

FAQs

Can I use bananas that are not very ripe?

For the best flavor and moisture, I highly recommend using brown, speckled overripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Unripe bananas won’t provide the same natural sweetness and can result in a dryer cake.

Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?

Toasting walnuts is optional but highly recommended because it brings out a deeper, more intense flavor and adds a lovely aroma. Just be sure to let them cool completely before folding them into the batter so they don’t affect the texture.

Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can portion the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Just keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick. The cream cheese frosting works wonderfully piped on top of each cupcake for a perfectly sweet bite-sized treat.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You could try a simple buttercream frosting or a whipped mascarpone frosting as alternatives. Cream cheese is unique because of its tangy flavor and creamy texture, so while substitutions work, the final taste will be a bit different.

Does the cake work well without frosting?

It does! The banana and walnut combination is delicious on its own, and you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or a light glaze for a less sweet option. However, the cream cheese frosting really elevates the experience by adding richness and a subtle tang.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try. It’s a cake that brings so much joy, warmth, and flavor to any occasion. Whether you bake it for a special celebration or just because you deserve a sweet treat, it never disappoints. Happy baking and even happier tasting!