Description
Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake
Ingredients:
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
2 cups vanilla custard (for filling and drizzle)
2 bananas, sliced (for topping)
1/2 cup walnuts (for topping)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans, then remove and level the tops if necessary.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of vanilla custard on top, then add the second cake layer.
Drizzle the remaining vanilla custard over the top of the cake.
Top with banana slices and additional walnuts before serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 500 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 servings
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake. First, ensure your butter is truly softened (room temperature for about an hour) and your bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. When whisking the dry ingredients, use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together for a lighter crumb. When beating the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy mixture, which takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Incorporate the eggs fully before adding the next. The key step is to fold the dry ingredients in by hand with a spatula until just combined; overmixing leads to a tough cake. For assembly, let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before leveling and filling to prevent the custard from melting.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is decadent on its own but can be elevated with simple pairings. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a brunch presentation, accompany it with strong coffee or a dessert wine like Muscat. The cake also makes an excellent dessert for gatherings—garnish individual plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or a caramel drizzle for extra flair.
How-to Summary
To make Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake: Prepare two 9-inch pans. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Blend in mashed bananas. Combine wet and dry mixes, fold in walnuts. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Cool, then layer with vanilla custard and top with more custard, banana slices, and walnuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well but drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a soggy batter.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute that provides similar moisture and tang.
How should I store this cake? Due to the custard and fresh banana topping, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake itself freezes well for up to a month if unfilled.
Can I make this into cupcakes? Absolutely. Fill lined cupcake tins 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes. Yield is approximately 24 cupcakes.
My cake is dense. What went wrong? The most common cause is overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten. Always mix until just combined.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using under-ripe bananas, which lack sweetness and moisture.
- Not properly creaming the butter and sugar, resulting in a dense texture.
- Overmixing the batter once the flour is added, leading to a tough cake.
- Assembling the cake while the layers are still warm, causing the custard to slide off.
- Overbaking; check a few minutes before the timer ends as oven temperatures vary.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is a celebration of classic, comforting flavors. The combination of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and rich vanilla custard creates a truly special dessert perfect for any occasion. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reliably create a moist, flavorful cake that will impress family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!