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!