If you love the cozy flavors of banana bread combined with a luxuriously creamy finish, then you are in for a treat with this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe. This cake offers the perfect blend of moist banana goodness, the crunch of walnuts, and a smooth custard cream that will have you coming back for more. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug, ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in something truly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether providing flavor, texture, moisture, or that stunning creamy contrast that sets this cake apart.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, ensuring it has structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A natural leavening agent that helps your cake rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake to just the right level without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s lightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, comforting aroma that complements the bananas.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts moisture and tenderness with a subtle tang.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: Infuse natural sweetness and a moist, dense texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Bring a smooth, sweet creaminess that melts beautifully.
- 2 cups creamy custard: The luscious topping that makes this cake truly heavenly.
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish): Fresh banana slices add a lovely visual and fresh bite.
- 1/4 cup whole or halved walnuts (for garnish): For that extra touch of elegance and crunch on top.
How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Then, gently fold in the sour cream and mashed bananas, which will bring moisture and rich banana flavor to your batter.
Step 2: Add Nuts and Chocolate
Now, it’s time to fold in the half cup of chopped walnuts along with the white chocolate chips. This combo adds both crunch and a sweet, creamy surprise in every bite. Be gentle here to keep the batter airy while ensuring those lovely mix-ins are well distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven to bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling like heaven right about now. Let the cake cool completely to prepare for the next step—adding that irresistible custard layer.
Step 4: Top with Creamy Custard
Once the cake is cool, spread the 2 cups of creamy custard evenly over the top. This velvety topping enriches every slice, making this cake a mouthwatering experience from the first forkful to the last crumb.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Finally, garnish with fresh banana slices and whole or halved walnuts. Not only does this add a delightful texture contrast, but it also makes your cake look just as good as it tastes. Pop it in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors meld and the custard set beautifully.
How to Serve Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices and crunchy walnuts are classic garnishes, but you can also sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or a few shavings of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. These simple additions amplify both the visual appeal and the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside lightly brewed coffee or a bright, floral tea to balance the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in individual glass trifle dishes layered with extra custard and banana slices for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, cut it into squares and drizzle with honey or caramel sauce to elevate your dessert spread to party-worthy status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying as a treat across several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to retain that creamy custard texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, heat a slice gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the custard’s delicate creaminess and the cake’s moist crumb.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts substitutes in this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make excellent alternatives, each bringing their own unique nutty flavor and crunch while maintaining the cake’s delightful texture.
How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and blend easily into the batter, enhancing the cake’s rich banana taste.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine, use coconut or almond milk custard, and replace sour cream with a vegan alternative like coconut yogurt to keep that creamy texture.
Can I make the custard from scratch?
Certainly! Homemade custard adds a fantastic homemade touch and depth of flavor, but you can also use a high-quality store-bought custard to save time without compromising taste.
What’s the best way to avoid the cake drying out?
Ensure you don’t overbake it; check with a toothpick around minute 30. Also, the sour cream inside keeps it moist. Finally, wrapping leftover cake tightly before refrigerating will prevent it from drying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one slice. Whether baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, this cake promises happiness with every bite. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
Print
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts with a creamy custard topping. Perfect for banana lovers, this cake features a tender crumb accented by white chocolate chips and topped with sliced bananas and walnuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Add-ins and Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 cups creamy custard
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup whole or halved walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round 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 mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
- Add Walnuts and White Chocolate Chips: Fold in chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Add Custard: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, pour the creamy custard evenly over the top and let it set slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange sliced bananas and halved walnuts on top of the custard-covered cake. Serve at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moistness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- White chocolate chips add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the walnuts.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream and custard with plant-based alternatives.
- This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered.
