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Banana Walnut Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

This moist and fluffy Banana Walnut Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any celebration or simply to enjoy a homemade dessert. Featuring caramelized bananas for rich flavor, a tender crumb enhanced by buttermilk, and a creamy whipped cream frosting, this cake is studded with crunchy walnuts and adorned with shaved white chocolate for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Banana Walnut Cake

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
  • 2 tablespoons plus ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 5 cups sliced ripe bananas (from about 8-10 bananas)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for flouring the pan
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 4 ounces white chocolate, shaved

Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 1 quart heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Caramelize Bananas: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup of butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 cups of sliced bananas. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the bananas are golden and caramelized. Transfer to a medium bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until evenly combined.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the remaining ¾ cup butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the granulated sugar and remaining ½ cup brown sugar and beat on high for about 2 minutes until well creamed.
  5. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract until combined. Add the mashed caramelized bananas and continue mixing until incorporated.
  6. Combine Batter: With the mixer on low, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture, then one-third of the buttermilk, alternating and mixing gently to avoid overmixing. Stir in ¾ cup of chopped walnuts if using.
  7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the chilled heavy cream, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form, ensuring it’s spreadable but not too stiff.
  9. Level and Slice Cake Layers: Using a large serrated knife, slice off the domed tops of the cakes to create flat surfaces. Carefully slice each cake horizontally into two equal layers, producing four layers in total.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about one-fifth of the whipped cream evenly over the layer, then add a layer of banana slices. Repeat with the remaining layers, alternating whipped cream and banana slices, ending with the final cake layer.
  11. Frost and Decorate: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the assembled cake. Garnish with the remaining chopped walnuts and shaved white chocolate for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

  • The whipped cream frosting should be spreadable—thicker than what you’d use for pies but softer than homemade butter to allow smooth application.
  • For best results, ensure all wet ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) are at room temperature before mixing.
  • If you prefer, omit walnuts for a nut-free version or substitute with pecans.
  • Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/banana-walnut-cake-with-whipped-cream-frosting-recipe/