Banana Walnut Coffee Cake

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

This moist and flavorful Banana Walnut Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-03T14:10:30.186Z

This Banana Walnut Coffee Cake combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy walnuts for a delightful treat. It's perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and flavorful with each bite
  • The combination of bananas and walnuts adds great texture
  • Perfectly pairs with your morning coffee or tea
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Banana Walnut Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it's an ideal breakfast companion. The moist texture and rich flavor derived from ripe bananas make it a delightful way to start your day. Pairing this cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea elevates the experience, providing a comforting and satisfying morning routine. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, this cake ensures a warm start to your day.

Additionally, the cake's versatility allows for it to be served at various occasions. From casual brunches to special celebrations, its rich taste and enticing aroma make it a crowd-pleaser. The addition of walnuts not only adds a crunch but also brings healthy fats and proteins, making it a more nutritious option compared to many other breakfast treats.

Simple Ingredients, Delicious Results

One of the best aspects of this Banana Walnut Coffee Cake is the simplicity of its ingredients. Most of the items can be found in your pantry, making it an accessible choice for any baker, novice or experienced. The combination of ripe bananas and walnuts creates a flavor profile that is both rich and satisfying, proving that you don’t need complex ingredients to make something extraordinary.

Moreover, this recipe is adaptable. You can easily swap the walnuts for other nuts or even add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Experimenting with different variations allows you to personalize the cake to your taste preferences while still keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

To ensure your Banana Walnut Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, make sure to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. A good indicator is to use bananas with brown spots on their skins, as this indicates they are at their peak sweetness and softness.

Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light and fluffy texture you desire. Mixing until just combined will help maintain the cake's moistness and ensure a delightful crumb with every slice.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture until just combined.

Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts for the topping.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the top. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Walnut Coffee Cake with a cup of coffee!

Storing Your Coffee Cake

Once your Banana Walnut Coffee Cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or as a grab-and-go breakfast during busy mornings. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its shelf life by up to a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes—just thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Walnut Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch with various serving suggestions. Consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for added sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform this cake into a delightful dessert.

For a more heart-healthy option, serve the cake with a side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake and makes for a balanced meal or snack.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would also be great substitutes.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Banana Walnut Coffee Cake

This moist and flavorful Banana Walnut Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Fresh Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  9. 1 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts for the topping.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the top. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 4g