Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake – Moist, Nutty & Irresistibly Creamy

If you’re searching for the ultimate banana walnut cake that’s incredibly moist, delicately sweet, and layered with luscious cream frosting, this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is exactly what you need. Packed with ripe bananas, toasted walnuts, and finished with a silky vanilla cream topping, this cake strikes the perfect balance between comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat, a fall gathering, or simply to use up overripe bananas on your counter, this banana cream cake recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Let’s dive into everything that makes this cake truly heavenly.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Walnut Cream Cake

There are dozens of banana cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Ultra-moist crumb thanks to ripe bananas
• Crunchy toasted walnuts for texture contrast
• Light, fluffy cream frosting that’s not overly sweet
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for dessert, snack, or special occasions

The combination of soft banana sponge and nutty crunch creates a rich yet balanced flavor profile. It’s comforting enough for everyday baking but impressive enough for guests.

The Secret to a Perfectly Moist Banana Cake

The key to a truly moist banana cake lies in three important elements:

1. Use Overripe Bananas

The darker and spottier the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and more aromatic, which enhances both texture and flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.

3. Toast the Walnuts

Lightly toasting the walnuts deepens their flavor and prevents them from tasting raw inside the cake.

Ingredients

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)

Cream Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or square pan with parchment paper.

2. Toast the Walnuts

Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes. Let cool completely.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

6. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream

Mix in mashed bananas and sour cream until fully combined.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.

8. Fold in Walnuts

Stir in the toasted walnuts evenly.

9. Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool Completely

Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

11. Make the Cream Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

12. Frost the Cake

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Garnish with chopped walnuts or banana slices if desired.

Tips for the Best Banana Walnut Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
• Don’t skip parchment paper — it ensures easy removal.
• Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm autumn flavor twist.

Variations You Can Try

1. Banana Walnut Layer Cake

Double the recipe and create two layers with cream filling in between.

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Walnut Cake

Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

3. Healthier Version

Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

4. Maple Cream Frosting

Replace vanilla with maple extract for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade banana cake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh coffee
• A glass of cold milk
• Warm chai tea
• Vanilla ice cream

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Insight

Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness, while walnuts add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Although this is a dessert, it contains wholesome ingredients that make it more balanced than heavily processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Absolutely. Pecans offer a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

Possible overmixing, underbaking, or opening the oven door too early.

Final Thoughts

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s comfort in every bite. The rich banana flavor, crunchy walnuts, and silky cream frosting create a harmonious blend that feels nostalgic yet elevated.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect walnut dessert recipe, this one deserves a permanent spot in your baking collection.

Bake it once, and it will quickly become your go-to banana cream cake recipe for holidays, gatherings, and everyday indulgence.

Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

A moist banana walnut cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting and crunchy toasted walnuts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.75 cup chopped walnuts toasted

Cream Frosting

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
5. Blend in bananas and sour cream.
6. Fold in dry ingredients and walnuts.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until set. Cool completely.
8. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and frost cake.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.