Craving a delicious, comforting treat that’s easy to make? This Banana Walnut Sheet Cake is a perfect cake recipes for beginners, offering a moist and flavorful experience without complicated steps. You’ll love how simple it is to bring this cozy dessert to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and moisture. Use very ripe, spotty bananas.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cake.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: For balanced sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Binders for your cake.
- Walnuts: Add a lovely crunch. You can substitute with pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
- Cream Cheese: For the irresistible frosting.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick, making cleanup easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Setting these aside now prepares your dry mix for later. This is a common step in cake recipes for beginners.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Bananas and Dry Mix
Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
5. Fold in Walnuts and Bake
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. If you like cake recipes for beginners, this frosting is a simple win.
7. Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve your delicious Banana Walnut Sheet Cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosting.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Banana Walnut Sheet Cake 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:
Q: Can I use overripe bananas?
A: Yes, very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal for the best flavor and moisture.
Q: Can I make this cake without nuts?
A: Absolutely, you can easily omit the walnuts for a nut-free version of this cake.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Q: What if my frosting is too thin?
A: Add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I bake this in a different size pan?
A: You can, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick.