Banana And Walnut Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
There are few things more comforting than a slice of homemade cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, baking a cake is a labor of love that can bring joy to both the baker and the eater. And when it comes to cake flavors, few are as delicious and versatile as banana and walnut. This Banana and Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Icing recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for any occasion from a casual family gathering to a fancy dinner party.
The Ingredients
The first step to baking this cake is gathering your ingredients. To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup heavy cream
The Instructions
Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to start baking. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese icing over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Baking a cake can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best Banana and Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Icing:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This will help them combine evenly and prevent lumps in your batter.
- Grease your cake pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix your batter. This can cause your cake to be tough and dry.
- Allow your cake to cool completely before icing it. If the cake is still warm, the icing will melt and slide off.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese icing instead of making your own.
- You can also add chocolate chips or raisins to the batter for some extra flavor and texture.
The Benefits Of Eating Bananas And Walnuts
Aside from being absolutely delicious, bananas and walnuts also have some health benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. They also contain fiber, which can aid digestion and keep you feeling full. Walnuts are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
So not only is this Banana and Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Icing a delicious dessert, it’s also a healthier option than many other sugary treats.