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Caramelized Walnut Banana Cake

Moist, tender banana cake with a rich caramelized walnut topping, combining the flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts for an indulgently delicious dessert.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup very soft butter
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2–3 medium very ripe bananas (1 cup mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or sour cream)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons butter (for topping)
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon half & half or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by spraying with baking spray, rubbing with a paper towel, spraying again lightly, then lining with parchment paper.
  2. Line a sheet pan with foil and set aside.
  3. Mash the bananas until smooth, measure 1 cup, and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, stir the very soft butter until smooth. Add granulated sugar and stir until combined.
  5. Add the egg and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until smooth.
  6. Add mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; whisk again for 30 seconds.
  7. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour; stir until just combined.
  8. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. While cake bakes, prepare caramel walnut topping: melt butter in a small saucepan. Add dark brown sugar, half & half, and vanilla extract; cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is bubbling lightly.
  10. Remove from heat, stir in chopped walnuts.
  11. When cake is done, immediately spread caramel walnut topping evenly over the hot cake.
  12. Optional: sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for flavor contrast.
  13. Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow topping to set.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture. Dark brown sugar in the topping provides a richer caramel flavor. Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel-walnut topping by adding a subtle savory note.

  • Author: Olivia Bennett
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg