Banana Nut Cake

This moist and flavorful Banana Nut Cake is the perfect dessert for banana lovers and a delightful way to use overripe bananas. Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the crunch of toasted nuts, this cake strikes the perfect balance between soft and hearty. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that fits any occasion. Enjoy it as a comforting snack, a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even as a decadent breakfast!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Bananas and Sour Cream: Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
7. Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with chopped walnuts.
8. Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is or with frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Enjoy this classic Banana Nut Cake with friends and family, or savor a slice all to yourself!