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Classic Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Classic Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert combining ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and a touch of warm cinnamon, topped with a rich and creamy vanilla-infused frosting. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat to enjoy any time.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 large bananas)
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Combine Sugars and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until combined and smooth.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate Bananas and Buttermilk: Fold in the mashed ripe bananas, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  6. Add Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped toasted walnuts.
  7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional toasted walnuts on top for garnish.
  11. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
  • To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to avoid lumps in your frosting.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice/vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes).
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/classic-banana-walnut-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/