If you have a soft spot for cakes that burst with flavor and texture, you are about to fall head over heels for this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe. Imagine tender layers of moist banana cake, dotted with crunch-worthy walnuts and melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate chips, all generously filled and topped with luscious creamy custard. This cake feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, perfect for gatherings or a sweet personal indulgence. Once you get started, you’ll see why it’s called Heavenly and why it deserves a special place in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that combine to create such an unforgettable taste and texture. Each one has a role, whether it’s adding moisture, that special nutty crunch, or the creamy finish that brings it all together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, inviting aroma and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth throughout the cake.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Offer little pockets of creamy sweetness that melt in your mouth.
- 2 cups creamy custard: The luscious filling and topping that makes this truly a cream cake.
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish): Provides freshness and a beautiful visual accent.
- 1/4 cup whole or halved walnuts (for garnish): Gives an inviting crunch and decorates the cake perfectly.
How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your batter is mixed. Grease and flour your baking pan to ensure that flawless release. Also, mash your ripe bananas until smooth—ripe bananas are key for maximum flavor and moisture in the cake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will give your cake its structure and rise. Setting this aside keeps your process organized and ensures even distribution of rising agents.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it creates air pockets that help your cake become light and tender. Take your time for the best texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Eggs build the cake’s framework, and vanilla adds that lovely warm aroma we all crave in a good dessert.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Bananas
Mix the sour cream and mashed bananas into the wet ingredients. The sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender, while the bananas infuse it with their sweet, distinctive flavor. This combination makes the cake irresistibly soft.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients, Walnuts, and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. Then fold in the chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for perfect texture contrasts in every bite.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and you’ll know the cake is nearly ready.
Step 8: Cool and Assemble with Custard
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, slice the cake horizontally to create layers, and spread the creamy custard generously between each layer and on top. This luscious custard is what truly elevates this recipe to the status of Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your cake with beautifully sliced bananas and sprinkle whole or halved walnuts on top. This not only elevates the visual appeal but adds freshness and crunch to each indulgent bite. The garnishes make the cake look stunning and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This cake shines all on its own, but you could serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. A cup of hot coffee or tea also complements the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, slice the cake into smaller squares and serve on pretty dessert plates, each topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For parties, individual glass trifle cups layered with extra custard and banana slices can make for an eye-catching presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the custard-filled cake chilled to maintain that creamy texture and freshness, and avoid drying out the banana layers.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and the cake will still be moist and delightful.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to the custard filling, but if you prefer a warm bite, let a slice sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as the custard might separate or become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts substitutes in the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be wonderful substitutes if you want a different nutty twist. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain texture and flavor balance.
How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash easily, ensuring your cake is moist and full of banana flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy this cake without gluten. Just check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the cake?
Sour cream helps keep the cake moist and provides a subtle tanginess that balances sweetness. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if needed, but avoid skipping it altogether for best texture.
How long will the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. After that, the bananas may start to brown and the texture could change.
Final Thoughts
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in an extraordinary way. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and brings smiles with every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, I encourage you to bake this cake and share the joy with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts!
Print
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the rich taste of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious creamy custard topping. Perfect for any occasion, this cake balances sweetness with texture, wrapped up in a soft, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups creamy custard
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup whole or halved walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or an equivalent cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a mixer at medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Bananas: Mix the sour cream into the butter mixture, then blend in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add Walnuts and White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips into the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Creamy Custard Topping: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread an even layer of creamy custard over the top of the cake.
- Garnish: Decorate the cake with sliced banana and whole or halved walnuts for an inviting finish.
- Serve: Slice and serve this delectable banana walnut cream cake as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred for a slightly tangier tone.
- White chocolate chips add a subtle sweetness and creamy texture; optional to exclude.
- The creamy custard topping can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the custard fresh.
