Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

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.