The Ultimate Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake Recipe That Sparkles

Sweet memories often spark when classic vanilla banana walnut cake emerges from a warm kitchen, promising delectable comfort.

Nostalgic aromas waft through rooms, capturing childhood moments of pure deliciousness.

Comfort blends seamlessly with indulgence in this classic dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft bananas meld perfectly with crunchy walnuts, creating a symphony of textures you’ll adore.

Creamy vanilla notes dance across each moist slice, inviting immediate satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Bake this cake and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Storage Guidelines for Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Use a cake dome or loosely tent with foil to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, restore moisture by briefly heating in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs on Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• What makes this cake moist and soft?

The combination of sour cream and mashed bananas ensures a tender, rich texture that keeps the cake incredibly soft and prevents dryness.

• Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version of the cake.

• How do I know if my cake is properly mixed?

The batter should look smooth and have a consistent color without any flour streaks, and it should have a creamy, slightly thick consistency when you fold in the walnuts.

• Is this cake suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and common ingredients. Just follow the instructions carefully and mix ingredients gradually for the best results.

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake: What Sets It Apart

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This cake brings warmth and nostalgia with its classic blend of bananas, vanilla, and walnuts, creating a delightful treat that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe offers straightforward steps that make creating a delicious cake feel like a breeze, even for novice cooks.
• Customize with Creativity: Transform the basic recipe by adding chocolate chips, trying different nuts, or serving with a scoop of ice cream, making it a versatile dessert for any mood or occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, this cake works wonderfully for potlucks, birthdays, afternoon tea, or as a comforting weekend treat everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed for Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Assists in leavening and balances the acidic ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers a classic, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Mashed Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe.

• Walnuts: Introduce a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

How to Bake Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350F. Grab your 9-inch round cake pan and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Ripe mashed bananas

Blend until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Ripening Bananas Quickly: Place unripe bananas in a paper bag with an apple or tomato to speed up the ripening process for perfect cake texture.
• Prevent Nut Sinking: Toss chopped walnuts in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the cake.
• Moisture Magic: Use sour cream to keep the cake incredibly moist and tender, ensuring a soft, delectable crumb.
• Flavor Boost: Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cake.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creative Variations on Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Banana Nut Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Banana Walnut Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty profile and texture variation.

Ideal Pairings for Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

• Pair Rich Coffee with Cake: Robust espresso or dark roast coffee beautifully complements the cake's sweet banana and nutty walnut flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Custard: Smooth vanilla custard adds an extra layer of indulgence, enhancing the cake's existing vanilla notes and providing a luxurious accompaniment.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: A light moscato or late-harvest riesling brings out the cake's subtle sweetness while adding a delightful wine-based dimension to the dessert.
• Garnish with Caramel Drizzle: Warm caramel sauce drizzled over each slice intensifies the cake's rich flavors, adding a decadent touch that elevates the entire dessert.

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent “vanilla banana walnut cake” promises a delightful journey through rich, comforting flavors that dance on your palate. Moist layers blend sweet bananas, crunchy walnuts, and smooth vanilla, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mashed bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Flavor and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and coat a 9-inch round cake pan with a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour blend with a whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly integrated.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Delicately fold chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ripening bananas quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or tomato can speed up the process for this recipe.
• Toasting walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt works perfectly for a lighter version, maintaining the cake’s moisture and tender texture.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg