Indulge in the ultimate homemade comfort dessert that combines the sweet, rich flavor of ripe bananas with the delightful crunch of walnuts. This Banana Walnut Dream Cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a nostalgic journey that brings warmth and happiness to your kitchen.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup milk
Metric Measurements
- 360g mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 315g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 5g baking soda
- 3g salt
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 120g sour cream
- 100g chopped walnuts
- 60ml milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mash ripe bananas until smooth
- Chop walnuts into medium-sized pieces
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour
- Add baking soda and salt
- Set aside
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar
- Beat until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time
- Mix in vanilla extract
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- Fold in mashed bananas
- Add sour cream
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients
- Add milk to achieve desired consistency
- Prepare the Cake
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan
- Sprinkle remaining walnuts on top
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35-40 minutes
- Check doneness with a toothpick
- Toothpick should come out clean
- Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Expert Baking Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep cake tender
- Toast walnuts before adding for enhanced flavor
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Flour Alternatives:
- Use whole wheat flour for added nutrition
- Try gluten-free flour blend
- Substitute part of flour with almond flour
- Nut Options:
- Replace walnuts with pecans
- Use mixed nuts for variety
- Omit nuts for nut-free version
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 replacement.
Q2: How do I store the cake? A: Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: What if my bananas aren’t very ripe? A: Ripen quickly by placing in a paper bag with an apple.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips? A: Yes! Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 3 days
- Refrigeration: Keeps well for 5-7 days
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices for easy thawing
- Make Ahead: Bake 1 day before serving for enhanced flavor
Enjoy your delightful Banana Walnut Dream Cake – a slice of pure comfort and happiness!