A quick look at this cake
This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cloud Cake is light, moist, and creamy. It combines mashed bananas and toasted walnuts in a soft cake, then tops it with a fluffy cream layer that tastes like a cloud. It works for family dessert nights or for a simple celebration. For a similar light cake idea, see this 3-ingredient strawberry cloud cake for inspiration: 3-ingredient no-bake strawberry cloud cake.
Why you’ll want to make this treat
- It uses everyday ingredients and is easy to follow.
- The cream topping is soft and not too sweet.
- Walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nuttiness.
- It’s a good make-ahead dessert because the cream sets in the fridge.
Step-by-step: Make Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cloud Cake
Ingredients :
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toast if you like; reserve a little for topping)
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup cream cheese, softened
- extra chopped walnuts (optional for garnish)
- a few banana slices (optional for garnish)
Directions :
- Prep pans: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8‑ or 9‑inch round (or square) cake pan; line bottom with parchment if you can.
- Dry mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl; mix in vanilla.
- Add bananas: Beat in mashed bananas until mostly smooth (a few small bits are fine).
- Alternate dry & buttermilk: Add half the dry mix, then all the buttermilk, then the rest of the dry mix; mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in walnuts: Gently fold in 3⁄4 cup chopped walnuts (reserve the rest for topping).
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan; bake 28–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back lightly. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
- Make cream layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy. In a separate bowl whip cold heavy cream to soft–medium peaks; fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
- Frost: Spread the fluffy vanilla cream over the cooled cake. Sprinkle reserved walnuts over the top (add banana slices if using).
- Chill & serve: Chill 20–30 minutes to set the cream, slice, and enjoy that heavenly banana cloud!
Easy ways to serve this cake
- Cut into thin slices for a light dessert.
- Serve with extra banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
- Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.
For a different small dessert idea to serve alongside, check these apple pie cheesecake bites: apple pie cheesecake bites.
How to keep it fresh
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you need to keep it longer, remove the cream topping and wrap the cake tightly; freeze the plain cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then add fresh cream topping before serving.
- Bring slices to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for best texture.
Smart tips for the best cake
- Use very ripe bananas for the best banana flavor.
- Toast the walnuts briefly in a dry pan to deepen their flavor, then cool before folding in.
- Do not overmix the batter — that keeps the cake tender.
- Chill the cake so the cream layer sets and slices cleanly.
For texture tips and a similar coffee-cake idea, see this blueberry sour cream coffee cake recipe: blueberry sour cream coffee cake.
Simple variations you can try
- Swap walnuts for pecans if you prefer.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mix for spice.
- Mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a chocolate-banana twist.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand.
Nutritional snapshot (approximate)
Per slice (1 of 8): ~320–380 calories, 18–22 g fat, 35–45 g carbs, 4–6 g protein. Values vary by exact ingredients and portion size.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Make small slices for kids’ snack time with a small dollop of cream.
- Plate with fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced dessert.
- Serve on a Sunday morning with coffee for a light brunch treat.
What to pair with this cake
- Hot coffee or a latte balances the creaminess.
- Black tea or Earl Grey cuts the sweetness well.
- A scoop of plain or vanilla ice cream makes it extra special.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes. Thaw them, drain any excess liquid, and mash. Use the same amount by weight.
Q: Can I skip the cream cheese in the topping?
A: You can make a whipped cream topping alone, but cream cheese adds structure and a slight tang that helps the cream hold on the cake.
Q: How do I prevent the cream from weeping?
A: Use very cold heavy cream, whip to soft–medium peaks, and fold gently. Chill the cake after frosting to help it set.
Q: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A: Yes. Bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
Conclusion
If you want a simpler banana cake method, try this Easy Banana Cake Recipe – My Cake School for a quick base. For tips specific to a banana walnut cream cake, this guide has helpful tricks: Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake – 5 Secrets To Perfection. If you like rolled cakes and want another lovely dessert to try someday, read this heavenly chocolate cake roll – smitten kitchen.
Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cloud Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cups buttermilk Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts Toast if desired; reserve a little for topping.
For the cream topping
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cups cream cheese, softened
- extra chopped walnuts (optional for garnish)
- a few banana slices (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round (or square) cake pan; line bottom with parchment if possible.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl; mix in vanilla.
- Beat in mashed bananas until mostly smooth (a few small bits are fine).
- Add half the dry mix, then all the buttermilk, then the rest of the dry mix; mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (reserve the rest for topping).
Baking
- Spread batter in the prepared cake pan; bake for 28-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back lightly.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
Cream Layer
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft-medium peaks; fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
- Spread the fluffy vanilla cream over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle reserved walnuts over the top (add banana slices if using).
Chilling and Serving
- Chill for 20-30 minutes to set the cream, slice, and enjoy.