When you take a bite of the warm, fluffy Banana Walnut Cake, it’s like hugging your grandma while she bakes in her cozy kitchen. Imagine the sweet scent of ripe bananas mingling with the rich aroma of toasted walnuts, creating a delightful symphony that dances through the air. Vegan Carrot Potato Soup Each slice is a perfect blend of softness and crunch, topped with just the right amount of buttery goodness. This cake is not just food; it’s an experience that wraps around your heart like a favorite sweater.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen bananas for banana walnut cake?
- How do I know when my banana walnut cake is done?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I baked this Banana Walnut Cake; my friends couldn’t get enough! We devoured it at my birthday party, leaving only crumbs behind and promises to bake it again soon. It’s perfect for any occasion—be it a sunny afternoon with coffee or a cozy evening by the fire. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to make this cake more than once! For more inspiration, check out this Banana Cake with Fresh Banana Curd recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Banana Walnut Cake is simple to prepare, making it ideal even for beginner bakers
- Its banana flavor shines through brilliantly, complemented by crunchy walnuts for added texture
- The golden-brown crust makes it visually appealing, sure to impress guests at any gathering
- This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert!
I once surprised my family with this cake, and their delighted reactions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: A reliable choice that gives structure without being too dense.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar enhances flavor richness. Sweet Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it soft and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for richer taste; it also contributes to tenderness. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture to the batter.
- Chopped Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash 3-4 ripe bananas until smooth. You want them creamy but not pureed—chunks are welcome for added texture!
Mix Dry Ingredients.: In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly mixed.
Cream Butter and Sugar.: In yet another bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do! Easy Cinnamon Sugar Blondies.
Add Eggs & Vanilla.: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time into your butter-sugar mixture along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Everything.: Gradually fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; we don’t want tough cake! Gently stir in those mashed bananas and chopped walnuts.
Bake It!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy every moist slice of this delightful Banana Walnut Cake with friends or family—you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- This delightful banana walnut cake combines sweetness with crunch, making it a perfect treat
- The enticing aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge
- Ideal for sharing with friends, it brings joy and smiles at any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve baking success, mash the bananas first while preheating the oven to 350°F. Next, mix wet ingredients before gently folding in dry ones. This ensures a moist cake with an airy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add chocolate chips for a richer flavor. A dash of cinnamon can amplify the cake’s warmth and depth, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your banana walnut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze slices individually and reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness; they provide natural flavor without added sugar
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy
- Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re golden!
Baking this banana walnut cake always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and delicious smells filled the air during family gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana walnut cake?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well; just drain excess liquid before using.
How do I know when my banana walnut cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Banana Walnut Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of Banana Walnut Cake, a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. This moist, fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert at family gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe will remind you of cozy moments spent in grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
- In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture; do not overmix. Gently stir in mashed bananas and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg





