Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

Moist, Easy & Comforting

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 (9-inch double layer) cake
Servings: 12–16

This Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is the perfect harmony of moist banana cake, velvety vanilla custard, and a crunchy walnut finish. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging, it’s a delightful way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a rich, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Filling & Topping

• 2 cups vanilla custard (for filling and drizzle)
• 2 bananas, sliced (for topping)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla
   Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Fold in Bananas
   Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
7. Combine Wet and Dry
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
8. Add Walnuts
   Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts evenly.
9. Divide and Bake
   Divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Assemble
    Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then carefully remove. Level the tops if needed.
11. Assemble the Cake
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of vanilla custard over the top, then place the second cake layer on top.
12. Drizzle and Garnish
    Drizzle remaining custard over the top and garnish with banana slices and extra walnuts.

Tips & Notes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with plenty of brown spots — they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the flour disappears to avoid a dense crumb.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped. Assemble with custard the day of serving.

Print