Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana bread but are craving something a bit more festive and indulgent, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how it transforms the beloved flavors of ripe bananas and cinnamon into a soft, cakey delight that’s perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how moist and flavorful the cake stayed even after frosting it—it just melts in your mouth!

What makes this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe stand out is its combo of creamy, tangy frosting paired with crunchy walnut pieces on top. You’ll find that the hint of cinnamon and the smooth sour cream in the batter deepen the flavor without overpowering the banana. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a birthday, or just treating yourself, this cake really shines and never fails to impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe calls for classic ingredients you probably already have or can easily grab. I always recommend using very ripe bananas—they bring out the best flavor and sweetness in the cake!

• Cooking spray: For greasing the pans to ensure your cake releases easily.
• Butter (softened): Using softened butter helps in easy creaming and gives a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s structure.
• Brown sugar: Offers a rich, caramel undertone for depth of flavor.
• Eggs: They bind the ingredients and provide moisture.
• Ripe bananas: The star ingredient—make sure they’re spotty and soft for natural sweetness.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the flavors.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; mixing with cornstarch keeps the texture light.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a softer crumb than flour alone.
• Baking soda: Leavens the batter for rise, reacting with sour cream and bananas.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice note.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the rich, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with banana.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting smoothly.
• Heavy cream: Helps smooth and loosen the frosting for easy spreading.
• Banana slices (for garnish): Adds a fresh, pretty touch on top.
• Walnuts (roughly chopped): Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor on the cake.

Variations

I’ve enjoyed making this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe in a few different ways, depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs—that’s part of the fun in baking!

• Nut-Free Version: If someone’s allergic or you want a milder crunch, try toasted coconut flakes instead of walnuts—I tried this for a family gathering and everyone loved the twist.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice can give your cake a more complex warmth, especially nice for fall or winter occasions.
• Healthier Tweaks: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for a bit more fiber without sacrificing softness.
• Mini Cakes: I once made cupcakes with this batter for a birthday party and frosted each individually—it’s super cute and easy to portion!

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release. I never skip this step—it saves so much hassle when it’s time to flip the cakes out!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb and gives the cake its wonderful texture. I use an electric mixer, but a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will also work.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Mashed Bananas, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the ripe mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. The bananas should be well mashed—no big chunks—to keep the batter smooth. I like to mash mine with a fork or potato masher for the best consistency.

Step 4: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet batter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix here—once you see no more flour streaks, you’re good to go. Overmixing can make the cake tough, which is exactly what we don’t want!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and a Toothpick Comes Out Clean

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for around 40-50 minutes. Start checking around the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. I learned after a couple of tries that ovens vary, so trust your toothpick test over the clock.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Add the vanilla and heavy cream slowly until the frosting reaches a nice spreadable consistency—not too runny, but soft enough to glide on easily. I always taste test here; sometimes a bit more powdered sugar is needed if you like it sweeter!

Step 7: Assemble the Cake and Add Walnut Garnish

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. Finally, garnish with the sliced banana coins and roughly chopped walnuts. The walnuts add that satisfying crunch and a rustic look I absolutely adore.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with banana slices and walnuts as garnish because they highlight the cake’s flavors perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon or dust powdered sugar over the top for a pretty finishing touch. On special occasions, adding edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea for afternoon indulgence. I also love serving it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the richness. For brunch, it complements egg dishes beautifully as a sweet finish.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I arranged mini versions of this cake on a rustic wooden board with fresh banana leaves and nuts scattered around—it made an amazing centerpiece for a party. You can also serve it as layered cupcakes or cake pops for kid-friendly, handheld desserts. Wrapping single slices in parchment and tying with twine makes for a cute gift packaging idea too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s important to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. It also helps to bring the slices to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, I recommend doing so before frosting it. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then prepare the frosting and assemble. You can also freeze frosted slices individually by wrapping them well—just allow extra thawing time to avoid wet frosting.

Reheating

Since this is a moist, frosted cake, I try to avoid microwaving it directly as the frosting can melt unevenly. Instead, let refrigerated slices warm to room temperature naturally for about 20-30 minutes. If you want it a bit warmer, briefly heat the plate in the microwave beforehand, then place the slice on it—this gentle warming keeps the texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnut Garnish Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s both comforting and a little special at the same time. It’s like the best of banana bread, just elevated. I promise, once you try baking it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a shot—you’ll enjoy every bite as much as I do!

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