The Best Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

This Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a gentle hug from the inside out. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t try too hard—just simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something quietly unforgettable. The bananas lend a tender, natural sweetness that keeps the cake moist and soft, while the walnuts offer a satisfying, earthy crunch that makes every bite a little adventure. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more playful, don’t miss this Oreo Dirt Cake recipe—it’s a fun, no-bake treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe truly stand out is how it balances comfort with a touch of rustic charm. It’s not overly sugary or fancy, just honest and approachable, the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep close for those days when you crave a taste that feels like home.

Whether you’re slicing it up for a cozy afternoon snack or serving it as an easy dessert after dinner, this cake never fails to bring a bit of warmth and simple joy to the table. It’s proof that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated—they just need a bit of heart, and maybe a handful of walnuts.

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Ingredients for the Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

Here’s the simple, down-to-earth list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe come together beautifully. These are the familiar staples that, when mixed just right, turn into something unexpectedly special.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, the base for our tender crumb

• 1 teaspoon baking soda, to help the cake rise just so

• ½ teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness and bring out flavors

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, adding a subtle, cozy note

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — the secret to richness

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar, for that deep, molasses-kissed sweetness

• 2 large eggs, to bind everything with a little structure

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, for a gentle, familiar warmth

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth — the star of this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt, lending moisture and tenderness

• 1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted to boost their nutty crunch

This isn’t a complicated list, but it’s exactly what this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe needs to deliver those tender, flavorful slices you’ll want to make again and again. And best of all, these ingredients are easy to find—making this cake a perfect go-to whenever those bananas start to get a little too soft on the counter.

Equipment Needed for This Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

To whip up this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe, you don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets—just a handful of trusty tools that make the process easy and enjoyable. Here’s what I reach for when I’m ready to bake:

• A large mixing bowl — roomy enough to hold all the ingredients while you mix without any spills or scrapes.

• A hand mixer or a good wooden spoon — either will do for creaming the butter and sugar and folding in those ripe bananas until everything is just right.

• Measuring cups and spoons — the little helpers that keep your cake balanced and tasting just so.

• An 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan — the cozy spot where your banana and walnut batter will turn into a golden, tender cake.

• A flexible spatula — perfect for scraping down the bowl and gently folding in the walnuts without losing that lovely texture.

• A wire cooling rack — to let your cake cool properly and keep that crust crisp, just before you slice in.

• An oven — the true heart of this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe, where all the flavors come together in a warm, welcoming bake.

No fancy equipment, no fuss—just the simple tools that help transform these humble ingredients into a cake you’ll want to make again and again.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

Preparing the Batter

Let’s start by bringing all the ingredients for this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe together. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan to keep things from sticking. In a big mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until they turn light and fluffy—that’s the base for a tender, moist cake.

Next up, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to make sure everything blends smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in those ripe, mashed bananas—the heart and soul of this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon, then gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. The final step here is folding in the toasted walnuts, giving the batter a little crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.

Baking the Cake

Now, slowly pour that batter into your pan, smoothing the top nice and easy with your spatula. Slide it into the oven and let it bake away for about 50 to 60 minutes — just enough time to kick back and maybe pour yourself a little cup of tea. You’ll know your Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe is done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will fill with the comforting scent of bananas and nuts, a gentle promise of the delicious cake ahead.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, set your cake on a wire rack to cool for at least 15 minutes. This rest time helps the cake set up perfectly so it slices neatly without falling apart. When it’s cool enough, gently loosen the edges with a knife and flip the cake out onto the rack or a plate.

Serving this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe feels like sharing a little piece of home—whether it’s alongside a cup of afternoon tea or as a sweet finish to a simple meal. Each bite carries that familiar warmth and care that makes baking worth every minute.

Tips for Perfect Results with This Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe

Getting this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe just right is all about a few simple but meaningful steps. Over the years, I’ve found that patience and a gentle touch make the biggest difference—baking isn’t a race, it’s a little act of love.

Start by choosing bananas that have reached their sweetest peak—soft, spotted, and bursting with natural sugars. These are the secret to that rich, moist texture that makes this cake stand apart. If your bananas are a bit green, don’t worry—you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a warm corner or gently warming them in the oven for a few minutes before mashing.

When it’s time to bring the ingredients together, fold the flour and walnuts into the wet batter slowly and carefully. Overmixing can weigh down the cake, and that’s the last thing you want with this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe. Toasting the walnuts before adding them brings out a deep, toasty flavor that gives every slice a lovely crunch and warmth.

Ovens are a bit like personalities—they each bake differently. So, keep a close watch as your cake nears the finish line. It’s ready when the top springs back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cooling the cake on a wire rack is key to letting it firm up while keeping the inside soft and tender.

And here’s the best part: this Banana and Walnut Cake Recipe tastes like home, best enjoyed slowly with a warm drink and good company. This recipe has a way of turning everyday moments into something you’ll actually remember—and honestly, that’s what makes it so wonderful.