Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake! With its moist texture and rich frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts makes every bite a delicious experience.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
• For the Frosting:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar:
   In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Combine mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two, until the batter is smooth.
5. Fold in bananas and walnuts:
   Gently fold in the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
7. Make the frosting:
   In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the cake:
   Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Optionally, top with additional banana slices and chopped walnuts for decoration.
9. Serve:
   Slice and enjoy this delicious banana walnut cake with friends and family!

Tips for Making Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Variations: For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the batter!

FAQs About Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before frosting.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Can I make cupcakes instead?
   Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for cupcakes; just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 18g

This Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home! Its moist texture and rich flavor are a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion or simply enjoy a sweet treat.