Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

How to Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

1. Prepare the Banana Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a nice base for your cake batter.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Mash the bananas in a separate bowl and add them to the butter mixture. Mix until the bananas are fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Walnut Cream Filling

• While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the walnut cream filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
• Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Chop the walnuts into small pieces and fold them into the cream mixture. Set aside in the fridge to firm up while you assemble the cake.

3. Assemble the Cake

• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
• Spread a generous layer of the walnut cream filling over the first cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to secure it.
• Cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining walnut cream filling, creating a smooth, even layer.
• For an added touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cake and garnish with banana slices for a fresh, decorative finish.

4. Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
• Slice and serve your Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake chilled or at room temperature. This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Walnut Cream Cake

• Use Overripe Bananas: The key to a moist and flavorful banana cake is using very ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be, resulting in a richer cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the flour mixture and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can cause the cake to be heavy or tough.
• Toasting Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils, making them more aromatic and delicious. Don’t skip this step!
• Chill the Cream Filling: Chilling the cream filling for a bit before spreading it on the cake makes it easier to work with and ensures the layers stay nice and firm.
• Decorating with Fresh Bananas: If you want to decorate with fresh banana slices, be sure to add them just before serving, as they can brown over time.

Why You’ll Love Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The banana cake is moist and subtly sweet, while the walnut cream filling adds richness, crunch, and a little nutty flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
• Comforting and Decadent: This cake has that perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. It’s the type of cake that you’d want to serve for a special occasion, yet it’s simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration.
• Beautiful Presentation: Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is a showstopper. The smooth cream filling, sprinkled with walnuts and topped with fresh banana slices, creates a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent taste and elegant look, this cake is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

Conclusion

The Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the best of banana cake, rich cream filling, and crunchy walnuts. Its moist texture and indulgent flavor make it the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy afternoon with loved ones. With its perfect balance of sweet and nutty, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, whip up a batch of this dreamy cake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a slice of heaven!