The Best Moist Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for everyone! This classic banana walnut cake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. It brings together rich flavors and an incredibly moist texture that will leave everyone asking for more. In this article, you will find a straightforward recipe, along with expert tips, and delightful variations to master this beloved treat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Walnut Cake

You are going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. You will achieve perfect moistness every single time, making dry cakes a thing of the past. Enjoy simple, straightforward baking steps that are perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. Delight in the beautifully balanced sweet and nutty flavors that truly shine in this delicious cake. You can customize this banana walnut cake with ease for dietary needs or personal preferences. Serve it for a delightful breakfast, a satisfying snack, or an elegant dessert. Plus, it is a wholesome, kid-friendly treat that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your moist and flavorful banana walnut cake. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

• 3 cups All-purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for our cake.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda: Our key leavening agent, ensuring a perfect rise.
• ½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Adds a wonderful warm spice to complement the banana.
• 3 medium Size Eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweet and comforting flavor profile.
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides essential richness and tenderness to the cake.
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully (add another ¼ cup for extra sweetness).
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt: Contributes significant moisture and a lovely subtle tang.
• 4 Medium-sized Ripe Bananas (smashed): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 cup Chopped Walnuts: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and earthy flavor.

Notes & Substitutions

• Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Research highlights the various nutritional benefits of ripe bananas, including enhanced antioxidant levels.
• Flour: All-purpose flour yields the best texture for this recipe.
• Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar to suit your preferred sweetness level.
• Yogurt: Buttermilk or sour cream can be excellent substitutes for plain yogurt, providing similar moisture and tang.
• Walnuts: If you are not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds work wonderfully. You can also omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
• Add-ins: For extra indulgence, fold in a ½ cup of chocolate chips or shredded coconut with the walnuts.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking this delightful cake even easier. You will need a few standard kitchen items. Grab your large mixing bowls for combining ingredients. A whisk and a rubber spatula are essential for gentle mixing. An electric mixer, either stand or hand-held, will make creaming butter and sugar a breeze. A 9-10 inch Bundt pan is perfect for this recipe. Finally, ensure you have reliable measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Instructions

Creating this delicious banana walnut cake is simple with our step-by-step guide. Follow these instructions carefully for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare Oven & Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, thoroughly grease your 9-10 inch Bundt pan, ensuring the cake releases cleanly after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Blend these ingredients with your electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Mix Batters: Gently pour the wet mixture from the second bowl into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix these together until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Add Bananas & Yogurt: Now, incorporate the mashed ripe bananas and the plain yogurt into the batter. Continue mixing thoroughly until all these ingredients are well integrated and evenly distributed throughout.
6. Fold in Walnuts: Finally, gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Use a rubber spatula to mix them in, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them. This creates the signature texture of your banana walnut cake.
7. Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect banana walnut cake is easy with these simple tips. Always use overripe bananas, as they are absolutely essential for the best flavor and moistness in your cake. Do not overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to create a smooth, uniform batter. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it should come out clean, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice it, which helps prevent crumbling. To avoid sinking add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile banana walnut cake is delightful in many ways. For serving suggestions, enjoy it plain for a simple treat, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce also adds a decadent touch. To store your cake at room temperature, keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also freeze individual slices or the whole cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep well for up to 3 months. For variations, divide the batter into two standard loaf pans for individual quick breads. For a fruity twist, fold in a half cup of fresh or frozen berries. Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon.

Nutrition

Our delightful banana walnut cake offers more than just indulgence. Bananas contribute natural sweetness, essential vitamins like B6 and C, and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Studies show that walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein, adding a nutritious boost to each slice. While it is a sweet treat, the natural ingredients offer some beneficial components.

Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?
  Yes, absolutely! Thaw them completely first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them for the recipe. This prevents your cake from becoming too watery.
• Why did my cake turn out dense?
  A dense cake can result from overmixing the batter, adding too much flour, or using under-ripe bananas. Ensure you mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
• What kind of frosting pairs well?
  A classic cream cheese frosting is a perfect match. A simple vanilla glaze or a dollop of whipped cream also complements this delicious banana walnut cake.
• How do I know when the cake is baked through?
  Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, indicating it is fully baked.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes, you can! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a plant-based yogurt.

Conclusion

This homemade banana walnut cake is truly a simple pleasure, embodying everything we love about comfort baking. Its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and delightful walnut crunch make it an instant family favorite. We hope you feel confident to bake this versatile and satisfying treat today. Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us! We would love for you to share photos of your beautiful cake and leave a rating for this recipe.