Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake: 9 Irresistible Reasons This Cozy Classic Wins Every Time

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is the kind of recipe that turns overripe bananas into pure gold. The moment you mash those bananas and stir them into a buttery vanilla-scented batter, you know something special is happening. This cake is moist, rich, softly sweet, and generously studded with crunchy walnuts — the perfect balance of tender and textured.

This is the cake I make when I want the house to smell like home. It’s unfussy, dependable, and deeply comforting. Perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon slice with tea, or a simple dessert that never feels overdone.

If recipes like this make you smile, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list — I share cozy, reliable classics straight from my kitchen to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake?

Vanilla banana walnut cake is a classic banana-based cake made extra moist with sour cream and butter, gently sweetened with a mix of sugars, and finished with chopped walnuts for crunch. It’s richer than banana bread, softer than a loaf, and sliceable like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses ripe bananas perfectly
• Moist, tender crumb
• Balanced sweetness
• Crunchy walnut texture
• Easy to make, hard to stop eating
• Even better the next day

What Does It Taste Like?

This cake is soft and buttery with strong banana flavor, warm vanilla notes, and little bites of nutty crunch throughout. The sour cream keeps it luscious and rich without being heavy.

Nutritional & Practical Notes

• Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness
• Walnuts provide healthy fats
• Sour cream enhances moisture
• Perfect make-ahead cake

Ingredients

PIN IT

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap walnuts for pecans
• Add chocolate chips for indulgence
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Sprinkle walnuts and sugar on top before baking

How to Make Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake

PIN IT

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan, or line with parchment.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds tenderness and structure.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Bananas and Sour Cream

Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until smooth and creamy. The batter will smell incredible at this point.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 7: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Slice and enjoy.

What to Serve with Banana Walnut Cake

• Fresh whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Hot coffee or chai tea
• Serve alongside:
  • Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/

Pinterest inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use very ripe bananas
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Toast walnuts for deeper flavor
• Let cake cool fully for clean slices

Storage Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze slices up to 2 months

General Information

Banana cakes became popular as home bakers found delicious ways to avoid food waste. This version elevates the classic with vanilla richness, sour cream moisture, and nutty crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this as a loaf?

Yes — bake 50–55 minutes.

Can I omit the nuts?

Absolutely.

Can I frost this cake?

A light cream cheese frosting is lovely.

Is this sweeter than banana bread?

Slightly — but still balanced and comforting.

Conclusion

Luscious Vanilla Banana Walnut Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. It’s cozy, reliable, and deeply satisfying — the kind of cake you bake once and keep forever.

If you loved this, try my No-Bake Banana Oat Cups or Protein Cookie Dough next for more banana-inspired comfort.

Interactive Elements

Leave a review below
Share your cake photos on Pinterest or tag me — I love seeing your bakes!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	330
Fat	18g
Carbs	38g
Sugar	20g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	220mg

Print