Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

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Introduction:

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that features a tender banana cake infused with vanilla and studded with crunchy walnuts. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a comforting and satisfying treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients (Makes one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Vanilla Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  • Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt), beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Fold in the chopped walnuts.

3. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Vanilla Frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of milk and the vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Add more milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.

5. Frost the Cake:

  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread a layer of vanilla frosting on top and around the sides.
  • Garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Use ripe bananas: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. They will be sweeter and more flavorful.
  • Measure accurately: Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
  • Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Recommendations:

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a great addition to dessert tables for gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

Enjoy your delicious and moist Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake!

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