Easy Banana Walnut Cake

This banana walnut cake combines the delicious banana flavor in a moist, tender cake, just like my favorite buttermilk banana bread recipe but with a nutty crunch of walnuts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients You Need
• How to Make The Best Banana Walnut Bread Recipe
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for best results
• Storage and freeze
• Variations & Substitutions
• Recipe Questions
• More Loaf & Breads
• Banana Walnut Bread

Did you have some overripe bananas at home and no one wants to eat them? Then this is your chance to grab them and make this delicious recipe for the banana walnut cake recipe.

If you love banana bread recipes then you must try this absolutely delicious recipe, a moist texture, not overly sweet and with those added crunchy walnuts that bring a tasty texture and that makes all the difference in this banana nut cake.

Craving more banana recipes? Give these a try : Double chocolate banana bread, moist banana bread muffins, double chocolate banana muffins, banana oatmeal muffins.

Ingredients You Need

You need these ingredients to make this banana walnut bread:

• Banana: use very ripe bananas here, if your bananas are not very ripe you can still make the recipe.
• Butter: soft, unsalted butter rather than semi-salted butter to control the amount of salt added and softened preferably or melted butter but cooled before.
• Sugar: a mixture of white sugar and flavored sugar such as brown sugar or cane sugar.
• Eggs: eggs at room temperature.
• Milk: Preferably use buttermilk or half-skimmed milk or plain yogurt, sour cream works also or see the recipe notes on how to make homemade buttermilk.
• Flour: All-purpose wheat flour that you can replace with another flour such as bread flour, whole wheat flour, or oat flour.
• Yeast: preferably baking soda or a packet of baking powder.
• Vanilla extract and salt: essential for flavoring and bringing out all the flavors.
• Nuts: chopped walnuts or if you have a walnut allergy then you can replace them with almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts or pecans.

How to Make The Best Banana Walnut Bread Recipe

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Place the sliced bananas in a medium bowl or large plate and crush them with a fork or a mashed potato press until you get a puree with still some pieces.

Step 2: In another large mixing bowl, put the butter cut into pieces and softened with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, mix for at least 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix again with an electric mixer for a good minute to incorporate them.

Step 4: Add the buttermilk and mashed bananas and mix again with an electric mixer.

Step 5: Finish by adding the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, all purpose flour, baking soda (or baking powder), salt, and chopped nuts. Mix gently with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until the mixture is well blended.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 10-inch / 25 cm loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon and bake in the oven at half height for about 45-55 minutes until the bread is puffed and golden brown on top.

Let cool: Let the banana cake cool slightly in the loaf pan before carefully removing it from the cake pan and letting them cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy! Then place it on a serving dish and add a creamy cream cheese frosting or cut the cooled cake into 10 slices and serve alone or with a bit of jam or nut butter.

Serving Suggestions

• With Butter: Spread a generous layer of butter on a warm slice for a simple and delicious treat.
• Cream Cheese Spread: Add a rich, creamy topping with plain or flavored cream cheese.
• With Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside fresh fruits like berries, apple slices, or orange segments for a refreshing addition.
• Yogurt and Honey: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a tangy-sweet combination.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or another favorite nut butter for added protein and richness.
• Toasted with Ice Cream: Toast slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bread before baking or after for a sweet, spiced crust.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: Add a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream and Berries: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and airy finish.

Storage and freeze

At room temperature: This delicious banana bread can be stored at room temperature for 1 week covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container box.

In the freezer: You can keep it for up to 3 months in the freezer, sliced, and placed in preservation bags. Let it come back to room temperature or use the defrost function of your microwave.

Recipe Questions

Can I make banana walnut bread without walnuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds. For a nut-free version, you can use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be overripe, with brown spots on the skin. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas instead of fresh bananas. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter.

Can I make banana walnut muffins with this recipe?

Yes, you can pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at the same temperature. The baking time will be shorter, around 20-25 minutes.

Why my banana cake is not moist?

There are many reasons why your banana cake can become dry: if you overcooked it, if you used too much flour or not enough liquid, if you over-mixed the batter, or if you kept the cake uncovered.

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I hope you love this banana walnut loaf recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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