Discover a delightful way to use ripe bananas with this homemade cake recipe. You’ll create a moist Banana Walnut Cake crowned with a rich Brown Butter Frosting, perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe will guide you to baking success, even if you’re new to homemade cake recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. You can use slightly overripe bananas for a stronger flavor.
- Walnuts: Add a lovely crunch. Pecans or a mix of nuts can be substituted.
- Brown Butter: Creates a nutty, complex flavor in the frosting. Regular melted butter works in a pinch, but brown butter is highly recommended.
- Buttermilk: Contributes to a tender crumb. You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Cream Cheese: The base of your delicious frosting. Full-fat cream cheese is best for texture.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Brown Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional), saucepan.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your homemade cake releases easily.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set this mixture aside for later. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. You’re building the rich base for your homemade cake.
4. Incorporate Bananas and Buttermilk
Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled at this stage.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough homemade cake.
6. Fold in Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly for consistent baking.
7. Bake the Cake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
8. Brown the Butter for Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Immediately pour it into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking and let it cool slightly.
9. Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the slightly cooled brown butter and beat until combined. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
10. Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the brown butter frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve this delightful homemade cake. Enjoy your baking success!
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts.
- Coconut Banana Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut with the walnuts.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the spice profile with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the cake batter.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover banana walnut cake with brown butter frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why are ripe bananas important for this homemade cake recipe? Ripe bananas are sweeter and more easily mashed, providing natural moisture and intense banana flavor to your cake.
- Can I freeze this banana walnut cake? Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with regular milk to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- How do I know when the butter is browned for the frosting? The butter will foam, then turn golden brown with small brown flecks at the bottom of the pan, emitting a distinct nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Can I make this a layer cake? Yes, you can divide the batter between two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans and adjust baking time as needed (usually around 25-30 minutes).
- My frosting is too thin/thick. What should I do? If your frosting is too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add more milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.