Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (optional, for desired consistency)
For Topping:
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan.
Prepare the batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Bake the cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 25-30 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for 9×13 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the cake:
If you made two round cakes, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
If you made a 9×13 cake, simply frost the top of the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
Add toppings:
Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Serve:
Slice and serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes:
Banana Tips: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Frosting Variations: You can add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
This Banana Nut Cake is a rich and moist dessert that pairs perfectly with the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, and the crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture. Enjoy!