Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake
This Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake is a beautifully balanced dessert that combines nostalgic banana-bread comfort with elegant, creamy indulgence.
Moist banana cake layers are enriched with sour cream, studded with crunchy walnuts and sweet white chocolate, then generously filled and topped with smooth custard.
Finished with fresh banana slices and walnuts, this cake feels both cozy and refined—perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Why People Will Love This Recipe
Moist, Tender Cake Layers – Mashed ripe bananas and sour cream create an exceptionally soft, rich crumb that stays moist even after chilling.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet bananas, buttery cake, nutty walnuts, and creamy custard come together in a beautifully balanced bite.
Creamy, Luxurious Filling – The smooth custard adds elegance and contrast, elevating this from a simple banana cake to a dessert-worthy showstopper.
Textural Contrast in Every Bite – Crunchy walnuts, melty white chocolate, and soft cake layers create an irresistible mix of textures.
Comforting Yet Refined – Familiar banana bread flavors are transformed into a polished, bakery-style cake.
Visually Stunning Presentation – Layered custard and fresh banana garnish make it look impressive without complicated techniques.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for celebrations, holidays, or gatherings where you want a dessert that feels thoughtful and indulgent.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic – Banana-based desserts are universally loved, making this a safe yet memorable choice.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The cake can be assembled and chilled ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Feels Homemade and Luxurious – Rich, cozy flavors paired with creamy filling create a dessert that feels both heartfelt and elevated.
Key Ingredients
Ripe Bananas – The foundation of the cake’s flavor and moisture, ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, depth, and that classic comforting aroma.
Sour Cream – Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb, ensuring the cake stays soft and moist without feeling heavy.
Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich, buttery base that enhances the overall flavor and creates a smooth, tender texture.
Walnuts – Finely chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast that balances the soft cake and creamy filling.
White Chocolate Chips – Melt gently into the batter, offering subtle sweetness that complements the banana flavor without overpowering it.
Creamy Custard – Used as both filling and topping, the custard brings luxurious smoothness and elevates the cake to a bakery-style dessert.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cake while allowing the bananas and dairy to shine.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
Eggs – Provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise evenly and hold its layers.
Fresh Banana & Walnut Garnish – Adds visual appeal and reinforces the flavors found inside the cake.
Expert Tips:
Use Very Ripe Bananas – Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and more aromatic, giving the cake deeper banana flavor and extra moisture.
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature – Softened butter, eggs, and sour cream blend more smoothly, creating a uniform batter and even bake.
Do Not Overmix the Batter – Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a dense cake.
Toast the Walnuts Lightly – Toasting walnuts for a few minutes enhances their nutty flavor and prevents them from tasting raw.
Fold Add-Ins Gently – Carefully fold in walnuts and white chocolate chips to avoid deflating the batter.
Check for Doneness Early – Ovens vary; start checking at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking and dryness.
Cool Completely Before Assembling – Warm cake layers can melt the custard and cause sliding or soggy layers.
Chill Before Serving – A short chill helps the custard set, making cleaner slices and improving flavor.
Slice Bananas Just Before Garnishing – Freshly sliced bananas prevent browning and keep the presentation clean.
Store Properly – Keep the cake refrigerated and covered to maintain freshness and texture.
Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
½ cup white chocolate chips
2 cups creamy custard, for filling and topping
1 banana, thinly sliced (for garnish)
¼ cup walnuts, whole or halved (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Reserve for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream and mashed bananas until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until incorporated.
Fold in the chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool fully.
Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the custard evenly over one cake layer.
Place the second layer on top and cover with the remaining custard.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with sliced bananas and walnuts.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Important Notes When Making Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake
This Is a Moist, Custard-Filled Cake – The custard is an essential component, not just a topping. It adds richness and structure, so the cake should be fully cooled before assembly.
Banana Ripeness Is Critical – Under-ripe bananas will result in muted flavor and less moisture. Very ripe bananas give the best sweetness and aroma.
Custard Requires Chilling – After assembling, chilling the cake helps the custard set properly and prevents layers from sliding when sliced.
Fresh Banana Garnish Is Best Added Last – Bananas oxidize quickly. Slice and garnish just before serving for the best appearance.
Texture Improves After Resting – The cake tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator as flavors meld and the crumb absorbs moisture evenly.
Avoid Overbaking – Even slight overbaking can dry out banana cake. Remove as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Walnuts Can Be Adjusted – If serving nut-sensitive guests, walnuts can be reduced or omitted without affecting the cake’s structure.
White Chocolate Is Subtle by Design – It adds sweetness and creaminess rather than strong chocolate flavor. Do not substitute dark chocolate unless a bolder taste is desired.
Refrigeration Is Required – Because of the custard filling, the cake should be stored in the refrigerator and served chilled or slightly tempered.
Slice with a Clean Knife – Wipe the knife between cuts for neat, bakery-style slices that showcase the layers beautifully.
How to Enjoy Delicious Banana & Walnut Cream Cake Cake After Cooking
Allow the Cake to Chill First
Once assembled, refrigerate the cake for at least 1–2 hours. This helps the custard set, firms the layers, and makes slicing cleaner and more elegant.
Bring to Slightly Cool Room Temperature
Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors fully open up while keeping the custard stable.
Add Fresh Garnish Just Before Serving
Slice and add the banana garnish right before serving to prevent browning and maintain a fresh, polished look.
Use a Sharp, Clean Knife
Wipe the blade between cuts to achieve neat slices that showcase the cake’s layers and creamy filling.
Pair with Light Beverages
Serve alongside coffee, espresso, black tea, or lightly sweetened herbal tea to balance the cake’s richness.
Enjoy the Texture Contrast
Take time to appreciate the interplay of moist banana cake, creamy custard, crunchy walnuts, and soft white chocolate pockets.
Serve as a Dessert or Afternoon Treat
This cake works beautifully as a dinner dessert or an indulgent afternoon slice with tea or coffee.
Store Properly Between Servings
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness.
Enjoy the Next-Day Flavor
The cake often tastes even better the following day as flavors deepen and the crumb softens further.
Share and Savor Slowly
This is a dessert meant to be enjoyed at an unhurried pace, making it perfect for gatherings and special moments.
Nutrition Information
(Estimated, per serving)
Calories: 420–460 kcal | Total Fat: 22–26 g | Saturated Fat: 11–13 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7–9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3–4 g | Cholesterol: 95–115 mg | Sodium: 320–420 mg (depending on custard and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 52–58 g | Dietary Fiber: 3–4 g | Sugars: 28–32 g | Protein: 7–9 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Banana & Walnut Cream Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is ideal for making ahead. Assemble it, cover well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors actually improve as it chills.
Can I substitute the custard with another filling?
Absolutely. Pastry cream, vanilla pudding, or lightly sweetened whipped cream can be used, though custard provides the richest texture and best structure.
How ripe should the bananas be for best results?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best. They provide maximum sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor.
Can I omit the walnuts or replace them with another nut?
Yes. Walnuts can be left out or replaced with pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds without affecting the cake’s structure.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the custard filling, it should not be kept at room temperature for extended periods.
Why must the cake layers be completely cool before assembling?
Warm cake can melt the custard and cause the layers to slide or become soggy. Fully cooled layers ensure clean assembly and a stable structure.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming dense?
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Mix just until combined to keep the crumb light and tender.
Should I mash the bananas very smoothly or leave some texture?
A mostly smooth mash with a few small lumps works best, providing moisture while preserving banana flavor.
Can I bake this cake in advance and assemble it later?
Yes. The cake layers can be baked a day ahead, wrapped tightly, and assembled the next day once fully cooled.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid waiting until the cake pulls away from the pan, which can indicate overbaking.