ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan**:
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and grease a **9-inch round cake pan** or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan after baking.
#### 2. **Mash the Bananas**:
In a small bowl, peel and **mash the ripe bananas** with a fork until smooth. You want to make sure the bananas are well-mashed to avoid large chunks in the cake. Set the mashed bananas aside.
#### 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **ground cinnamon** (if using). This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.
#### 4. **Cream Butter and Sugar**:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **softened butter** and **granulated sugar** until light and fluffy. This usually takes about **2-3 minutes** using an electric mixer on medium speed. The creaming process helps create a tender, airy texture in your cake.
#### 5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**:
Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the **vanilla extract** and mix until combined.
#### 6. **Incorporate the Mashed Bananas**:
Add the mashed bananas to the butter-sugar-egg mixture and mix well. The banana mixture will help keep the cake moist and add that signature banana flavor.
#### 7. **Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk**:
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in **three parts**, alternating with the **buttermilk** in **two parts** (starting and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
#### 8. **Add Walnuts**:
Fold in the **chopped walnuts** gently. These will add a satisfying crunch to the cake and bring out a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
#### 9. **Bake the Cake**:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
#### 10. **Cool the Cake**:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about **10 minutes**. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, you can garnish the cake with a sprinkle of **powdered sugar** and some **extra chopped walnuts** on top for a decorative touch.
### Why You’ll Love Banana Walnut Cake:
– **Moist and Tender**: The combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk ensures that this cake stays incredibly moist, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
– **Perfectly Balanced Flavor**: The sweetness of the bananas is enhanced by the nutty crunch of the walnuts, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy note to the cake, but you can omit it if you prefer a more straightforward banana flavor.
– **Easy to Make**: This cake is simple to put together and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results.
– **Versatile**: This cake is perfect on its own, but you can easily elevate it by adding a glaze, frosting, or even serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. You can also switch up the nuts—try using pecans or almonds if you prefer.
### Tips for Success:
– **Use Overripe Bananas**: For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe and have lots of brown spots. These bananas are naturally sweeter and softer, making them ideal for baking.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure the cake remains light and fluffy.
– **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
– **Storage**: Store the banana walnut cake at room temperature for **2-3 days**. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
### Variations:
– **Banana Walnut Cupcakes**: If you prefer cupcakes, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply divide the batter into a **12-cup muffin tin** lined with cupcake liners and bake for about **20-25 minutes**.
– **Banana Bread**: Want to make banana bread instead of a cake? Pour the batter into a **loaf pan** and bake for around **60 minutes**, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
– **Frosted Banana Walnut Cake**: If you’re craving a richer treat, try topping the cake with **cream cheese frosting** or a light **vanilla buttercream** for a more decadent dessert.
### What to Serve with Banana Walnut Cake:
– **Whipped Cream or Ice Cream**: A dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** pairs wonderfully with the banana walnut cake, making it a more indulgent treat.
– **Coffee or Tea**: This cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of **coffee** or **tea**. The warmth of the beverage complements the cake’s flavors, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon snack or dessert.
– **Fruit Compote**: Serve the cake with a side of fresh **berries** or a **fruit compote** to add a fruity contrast to the richness of the cake.
### Final Thoughts:
This **Banana Walnut Cake** is the ultimate comfort food, combining the classic flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts into a beautifully moist and flavorful cake. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that works for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a simple treat or something a little more special.
With its tender crumb, delightful nutty texture, and perfect balance of sweetness, this banana walnut cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, next time you have a few ripe bananas on hand, whip up this cake for a deliciously satisfying treat!
ADVERTISEMENT
