Description
This Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is moist and flavorful, featuring ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, it’s optionally topped with a creamy frosting for an added touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream:
- Add the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the batter, mixing until well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Frost and Garnish:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting on top. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts if desired.
Notes
- This cake can be served plain or with the optional frosting for a sweeter treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes