Banana Cake with Caramel Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

This luscious walnut banana caramel cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that transforms ripe bananas into a moist, flavorful treat. The combination of sweet caramel and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture contrast. For another elegant fruit dessert, try the Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries Recipe. This easy banana cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

This Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake combines moist banana cake layers with crunchy walnuts and a rich caramel glaze for an unforgettable dessert experience.

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1 2/3 cups cake flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp cream

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Measure out all ingredients: ensure your bananas are very ripe (speckled with brown) for maximum sweetness and moisture in your Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake.

Step 2 — Mash the Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

For a richer flavor, you can use browned butter. The mixture should be creamy and uniform in texture.

Step 3 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Sifting the flour and baking soda can help prevent lumps and ensure a lighter crumb in your finished cake.

Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined; do not overmix.

A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough, dense cake.

Step 5 — Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking.

For enhanced flavor and crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping and adding them to the batter.

Step 6 — Prepare and Add the Caramel

If using a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, you can swirl a generous amount directly into the batter in the pan. Alternatively, you can plan to drizzle it over the warm cake after baking.

For a marbled effect, pour half the batter into the pan, drizzle with some caramel, add the remaining batter, and then swirl gently with a knife.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Pour the final batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, and the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.

Step 8 — Cool and Add Final Caramel Drizzle

Let the Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it to remove it from the pan. Allow it to cool completely on the rack.

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 9 — Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to slice the cake. For clean slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts.

This Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake is best served at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	210mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole wheat flour — Adds fiber and a nutty flavor to this Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake.
• Greek yogurt — A protein-rich substitute for oil that keeps the cake moist and slightly tangy.
• Coconut sugar — A lower glycemic alternative with caramel notes that complement the banana and walnut flavors.
• Almond flour — A gluten-free, lower-carb option that pairs well with the walnuts.
• Coconut oil — A dairy-free fat substitute that adds a subtle tropical aroma.
• Unsweetened applesauce — Reduces added sugar and fat while enhancing the natural banana sweetness.
• Date caramel — A whole-food, low-sodium alternative to traditional caramel sauce.
• Chia seeds — An egg substitute that adds omega-3s and works well with the cake’s texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
• Serve alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or chai tea during afternoon gatherings.
• Perfect for potlucks and family celebrations where a show-stopping cake is desired.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over individual plates for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish with additional toasted walnuts and banana slices for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
• Enjoy a simple slice with a cold glass of milk for a comforting everyday treat.

This Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake is versatile enough for both casual snacking and formal occasions, with its rich flavors complementing various beverages and accompaniments beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using underripe bananas, which lack sweetness and moisture. Fix: Always use very ripe, spotty bananas for maximum flavor and a tender crumb.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. Fix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined for a soft, delicate cake.
• Mistake: Adding walnuts directly to the batter, causing them to sink. Fix: Toss walnuts in a light coating of flour before folding them in to ensure even distribution.
• Mistake: Pouring caramel sauce over a hot cake, making it absorb and disappear. Fix: Let the cake cool completely so the caramel creates a beautiful, distinct layer on top.
• Mistake: Baking in a pan that’s too dark, leading to overbaked edges. Fix: Use a light-colored metal pan and reduce the oven temperature by 25°F if using dark metal.
• Mistake: Not toasting the walnuts, resulting in a less pronounced nutty flavor. Fix: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to unlock their aromatic oils and crunch.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door too early, causing the cake to collapse. Fix: Avoid opening the door until the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure proper rise and structure.
• Mistake: Making the caramel sauce too thin, so it runs off the cake. Fix: Cook the caramel until it thickly coats the back of a spoon for a perfect, drizzle-able consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper, making the cake difficult to remove. Fix: Line your pan with parchment paper for a flawless, easy release every single time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For best results, warm slices in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Always allow the cake to cool completely before storing, and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and food safety.

Conclusion

This Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. If you love caramel desserts, try our Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Recipe next. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it turned out!

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FAQs

Can I make this Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake this cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors often improve, making the Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake even more moist and flavorful.

What is the best way to store leftovers of this cake?

Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the texture and freshness of your Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake.

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Yes, pecans or almonds make excellent substitutes for walnuts. Ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution. This substitution will still yield a delicious Luscious Walnut Banana Caramel Cake.