Banana Walnut Cake

Ingredients

• 3 cups (372 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter, (at cool room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups (300 grams) mashed bananas, (from about 4 medium bananas)
• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup (106 grams) California walnuts, (chopped)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, (at cool room temperature)
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, (at cool room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar, (sifted)
• Chopped walnuts, (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the cake: ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. 4

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add in the vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time. On low speed, beat in half the dry ingredients then the bananas, sour cream, and milk. Beat in the remaining dry ingredients. Gently stir in the walnuts. Do not overmix.

5. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely. Unfrosted cake can be well wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

6. 6

   --- Make the frosting: ---

7. 7

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on medium-high speed until very light, creamy, and smooth. On low speed gradually add in the sugar and beat until fluffy.

8. 8

   Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped walnuts. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature.