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Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake transforms overripe bananas and toasted walnuts into a luxurious dessert with layers of whipped cream and banana slices. It's the ultimate banana walnut cream cake recipe — moist, nutty, and elegant enough for celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Skillet (for toasting walnuts)

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Use cake flour for a lighter texture
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder Ensures proper rise
  • 1 tsp baking soda Reacts with banana acidity for fluff
  • 0.5 tsp salt Balances sweetness
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 sticks; can replace partly with oil
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar Adjust for ripeness of bananas
  • 3 large eggs Room temperature
  • 1.5 cups ripe bananas, mashed About 3–4 bananas
  • 1 cup buttermilk Or milk + 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract Adds aromatic depth
  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted & chopped Enhances flavor and crunch

Banana Filling

  • 2-3 medium ripe bananas, sliced Layered between cake layers
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice Prevents oxidation
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar Optional; lightly sweetens bananas

Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream Chill bowl and beaters for best results
  • 0.25-0.5 cup powdered sugar Adjust sweetness to taste
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances cream flavor

Garnish (Optional)

  • extra walnuts, banana slices, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle For decoration and flavor contrast

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.
  • Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
    Toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant (~3–4 min). Let cool.
  • Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
    Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Step 4: Cream Butter, Sugar & Eggs
    Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~3–4 min). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  • Step 5: Add Bananas & Buttermilk
    Stir in mashed bananas and buttermilk until just combined.
  • Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry, Fold in Walnuts
    Alternate adding dry mixture to wet, beginning and ending with dry. Fold in walnuts gently.
  • Step 7: Bake the Cake
    Divide batter between pans. Bake 30–35 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  • Step 8: Prepare Banana Filling & Whipped Cream Frosting
    Toss banana slices with lemon juice and brown sugar. Whip chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks.
  • Step 9: Assemble the Cake
    Spread whipped cream and sliced bananas between layers. Frost the top and sides, then garnish as desired.
  • Step 10: Chill & Serve
    Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture and clean slices.

Notes

Tips: Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness. Don’t overmix batter for a soft crumb. Chill the cake before slicing to ensure neat layers. Toasted walnuts add rich aroma and crunch.
Keyword banana cake, banana walnut cream cake recipe, cream cake, layer cake