Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25-40 minutes (depending on pan) | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12-16
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)
For Topping:
2 bananas, sliced
½ cup chopped walnuts
Caramel sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan. If using round pans, you can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth. The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake for:
25 to 30 minutes for round pans
35 to 40 minutes for a 9×13 pan
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
For two round cakes: Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
For a 9×13 cake: Simply spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
Step 10: Add Toppings
Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cake and sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Step 11: Serve
Slice and serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.