I still remember the first time my youngest, Leo, asked for “more banana cake” with a face full of frosting. It was a chaotic Tuesday, laundry piled high, but that slice of homemade Banana Walnut Cream Cake brought such pure joy. Food, for me, is love, and this Cake recipe embodies just that.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, rich with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Every bite of this moist Banana Walnut Cream Cake takes me back to those cherished moments. I’ve perfected this simple, nourishing Walnut Cream Cake over the years, making it a family favorite.
This particular Banana Walnut Cream Cake is incredibly forgiving, too, perfect for busy parents who still want to create something special. Get ready to bake the best Cake you’ve ever tasted!
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Banana Walnut Cream Cake
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a comforting classic, rich with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. It's super moist, naturally sweet, and incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both novice bakers and busy parents. It's a hug in cake form and will become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ground cinnamo
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup Granulated sugar
2 large Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups Very ripe mashed bananas
1/2 cup Buttermilk
1 cup Chopped walnuts
8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
3–4 cups Powdered sugar (to taste)
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Pinch Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pa
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract
- Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Mix well
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts. Do not overmix the batter for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clea
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt
- Once the Banana Walnut Cream Cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top
Notes
Always use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful cake.
Don't overmix the batter; a gentle hand ensures a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten too much.
Chill your cream cheese frosting for 15-20 minutes before spreading for a firmer, easier-to-handle consistency.
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the fridge.
To quickly ripen bananas, bake them on a baking sheet at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 15-30 minutes until skins are black. Let them cool completely before using.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: banana, walnut, cream cake, dessert, cream cheese frosting, family favorite, moist cake, easy cake, comfort food, baking
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BANANA WALNUT CREAM CAKE RECIPE
You will absolutely adore this Banana Walnut Cream Cake. It’s super moist, never dry. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas shines through in every slice of this amazing Banana Cake.
Plus, the walnuts add a fantastic texture contrast to the soft cake. The creamy, tangy frosting perfectly complements the rich flavor of the Banana Walnut Cream Cake. This also uses simple pantry staples.
Even a novice baker can master this delightful Banana Walnut Cream Cake. It truly is a comforting classic. This delightful Cake will become a staple in your home, too!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs (large) | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Very ripe mashed bananas | 1 1/2 cups (about 3-4 large) |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped walnuts | 1 cup |
| For the Cream Cheese Frosting: | |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Powdered sugar | 3-4 cups (to taste) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Pinch of salt | |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Want to tweak your Banana Walnut Cream Cake? You can easily substitute pecans for walnuts in this Banana Cake. For a gluten-free version of this Cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Dairy-free? Opt for plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives for the frosting of your Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence to your amazing Banana Walnut Cream Cake!
You might also try a sprinkle of nutmeg for added warmth. This cake is very adaptable.
While you’re experimenting with delicious variations for your cream cake, consider how simple substitutions can transform your baking. If you’re looking for another wholesome banana-based treat, you might also enjoy making Healthy Banana Blueberry Muffins for a quick breakfast or snack.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Let’s bake this incredible Banana Walnut Cream Cake! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake. Preparing this Banana Walnut Cream Cake is straightforward.
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts. Do not overmix the batter for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Once the Banana Walnut Cream Cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Perfecting baking techniques, like knowing when bananas are just right or avoiding overmixing, is key to any successful recipe. These same principles of simple, wholesome ingredients and careful preparation apply beautifully when crafting delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Keep your delicious Banana Walnut Cream Cake fresh. Store leftovers of your Banana Walnut Cream Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This cream cake holds up wonderfully.
The frosting especially benefits from refrigeration. You can also freeze individual slices of Banana Walnut Cream Cake for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Thaw frozen Banana Walnut Cream Cake overnight in the fridge. This ensures a delightful treat whenever you crave a slice of Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

Just as this Banana Walnut Cream Cake is versatile enough for any occasion, other banana-based baked goods can also bring joy throughout the year. For instance, imagine the warmth and spices of a Christmas Banana Bread: A Festive, Spiced Holiday Treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter afternoon.
FAQS
Got questions about your Banana Walnut Cream Cake? I’ve got answers!
How do I know if my Banana Walnut Cream Cake is baked through?
Insert a toothpick into the center of your Banana Walnut Cream Cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures a perfectly baked Banana Walnut Cream Cake every time. If it’s still gooey, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I make this Banana Walnut Cream Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers for your Banana Walnut Cream Cake a day in advance. Store them wrapped tightly at room temperature.
Frost your Banana Walnut Cream Cake closer to serving time for the freshest taste and best presentation. The cake itself stores well.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas for this Banana Walnut Cream Cake?
Choose bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them on a baking sheet at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 15-30 minutes until skins are black. Let them cool completely before using in your Banana Walnut Cream Cake.
A banana cake often incorporates ripe bananas, which contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the crumb. The addition of walnuts provides a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor, while the rich cream cheese frosting elevates this classic dessert into a truly indulgent experience, a common approach in many cakes.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
Understand the nutrition for your delightful Banana Walnut Cream Cake. This information is an estimate based on 12 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 40g |
| Protein | 5g |