Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

This Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavors of vanilla and walnuts. Moist, fluffy, and topped with a creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for garnish

For the frosting (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream to adjust consistency

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream: Add the mashed bananas and sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter, mixing until well combined.
6. Add Dry Ingredients and Walnuts: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
9. Frost and Garnish: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting on top. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Add Fruits: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for added flavor.
• Nut Substitutes: Use pecans instead of walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: For best results, warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, thaw and drain excess moisture before mashing.
2. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
3. Can I use almond flour?
   Yes, but adjust the quantity as almond flour is denser.
4. How can I make this cake vegan?
   Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free butter and yogurt.
5. What can I use instead of sour cream?
   Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.
6. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
8. What frosting pairs well with this cake?
   Cream cheese frosting complements the flavors beautifully.
9. How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
   Greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly helps.
10. Can I use a different cake pan size?
    Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that brings together simple ingredients into a delightful treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed plain or with frosting, this cake is sure to please everyone!

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