Banana Walnut Delight Cake Recipe

The Best Banana Walnut Delight Cake Recipe for Sweet Teeth

Banana walnut delight cake brings pure comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising something special.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly with crunchy nutty elements that dance across each delectable slice.

Rich ingredients interplay with delightful complexity, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Warm memories might surface as you mix these classic components together.

Baking becomes an intimate experience, connecting generations through shared culinary traditions.

This delightful creation promises to spark joy and satisfy deep cravings with its irresistible charm.

Let’s convert simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that everyone will adore.

Common Questions About Banana Walnut Delight Cake

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work great as substitutes and will add a similar crunchy texture to your cake.

  • How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough for the recipe?

Look for bananas with dark brown or black spots – these are perfectly overripe and will give your cake the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The custard can be prepared a day before as well.

  • How should I store the Banana Walnut Delight Cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Why Banana Walnut Delight Cake Is Worth Every Bite

  • Packed with ripe mashed bananas, this cake delivers an intense, natural sweetness that celebrates the fruit's deep, comforting taste.
  • Crunchy walnuts provide a perfect contrast to the soft, moist cake, creating an exciting mouthfeel with every delectable bite.
  • Straightforward mixing method makes this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or special celebrations, this cake transforms simple ingredients into an impressive showstopper that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Banana Walnut Delight Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cake, providing essential texture and stability.
  • Baking Soda: Light and airy rising agent that helps the cake become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Classic cake base that creates rich, tender crumb with sweet undertones.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and moisture to the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and incredible moistness to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, deep aromatic flavor.
Fresh Ingredients:
  • Bananas, Walnuts: Natural sweetness and crunchy texture that complement each other perfectly.
  • Banana Slices: Fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and extra fruit flavor.
  • Vanilla Custard: Creamy filling that brings layers together with smooth, rich character.

How to Make Banana Walnut Delight Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Mashed ripe bananas

Mix until the batter looks smooth and well integrated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Add Walnuts

Fold chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Fill Cake Pans

Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Vanilla Custard

While cakes cool, make vanilla custard for filling and topping.

Step 11: Assemble Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of vanilla custard. Carefully position the second cake layer on top.

Step 12: Decorate and Serve

Drizzle remaining custard over the cake. Garnish with fresh banana slices and extra chopped walnuts. Slice and enjoy your delightful banana walnut cake!

Tips for Baking Banana Walnut Delight Cake Perfectly

  • Mash Bananas Thoroughly: Ensure bananas are completely smooth to create a uniform texture and prevent lumps in your cake batter.
  • Fold Walnuts Gently: Use a light folding technique to distribute nuts evenly without deflating the cake's delicate air pockets.
  • Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle to accurately test if the cake is fully baked, avoiding raw center spots.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for better blending and smoother cake consistency.
  • Customize Custard Thickness: Adjust vanilla custard's consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or less for a thicker spread.

How to Keep Banana Walnut Delight Cake Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Cover cake loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
  • Room Temperature: Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften and bring back its original texture.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake's delicate texture.

What to Serve with Banana Walnut Delight Cake

  • Brew Rich Flavor Companions: Pair this banana walnut cake with a steaming cup of medium-roast coffee, which complements the nutty and sweet banana notes perfectly.
  • Creamy Contrast Delight: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla milkshake to balance the cake's warm, dense texture and enhance its richness.
  • Sweet Beverage Harmony: Enjoy with a light caramel latte or chai tea, which will accentuate the cake's warm spices and nutty undertones without overwhelming its delicate banana flavor.
  • Dessert Wine Elegance: Complement the cake with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a late-harvest riesling, which will highlight the cake's sweetness and provide a luxurious drinking experience.

Creative Variations on Banana Walnut Delight Cake

  • Chocolate Banana Walnut Fusion: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base, enhancing the cake's depth and creating a mocha-like flavor profile.
  • Spiced Caramel Banana Cake: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger to the batter, then drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for an autumnal warmth.
  • Coconut Tropical Banana Cake: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and replace walnuts with toasted macadamia nuts, giving the cake a Hawaiian-inspired character.
  • Cream Cheese Banana Walnut Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking, adding tangy richness and visual interest to the classic recipe.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Walnut Delight Cake Recipe

Banana Walnut Delight Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent banana walnut delight cake celebrates classic comfort with a modern twist. Moist banana layers nestled with toasted walnuts create a perfect harmony of sweetness and crunch you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups vanilla custard

Garnish:

  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • ½ cup walnuts

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and coating two round cake pans with a light grease layer.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, developing a fluffy texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, which helps maintain a smooth batter consistency.
  5. Blend sour cream and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients form a homogeneous mixture.
  6. Gently fold mashed bananas into the wet ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, carefully mixing until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  8. Delicately fold chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly for consistent nutty flavor and texture.
  9. Carefully divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth and level the surfaces.
  10. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  11. Allow cakes to cool completely within their pans, which helps maintain structural integrity.
  12. Once cooled, remove cakes and trim tops if needed to create even layers.
  13. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of vanilla custard across its surface.
  14. Carefully place the second cake layer atop the custard-covered base.
  15. Drizzle remaining vanilla custard over the entire cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
  16. Garnish the top with fresh banana slices and sprinkle additional walnuts for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Elevate this cake by using overripe bananas for deeper, more intense natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and ensure a more uniform, tender cake texture.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can result in a dry, less enjoyable dessert.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
  • For a decadent twist, consider adding a light cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla custard.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star