Banana Cake Recipe With Nuts: Moist, Easy, and Delicious

Updated On: October 12, 2025

Banana cake is one of those timeless desserts that brings comfort and joy with every bite. When perfectly ripe bananas meet a tender, moist crumb and the delightful crunch of nuts, you get a treat that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

This banana cake recipe with nuts is ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Plus, the nuts add a lovely texture and a nutty aroma that elevates the cake beyond the usual banana bread.

What makes this banana cake truly special is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite nuts or even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.

And if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, this cake slices beautifully and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Ready to bake a delightful treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture?

Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana cake recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it uses perfectly ripe bananas, which add natural sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for excessive sugar or fats.

The nuts not only add crunch but also boost the nutritional profile with healthy fats and protein.

It’s a fuss-free recipe, perfect for beginners, requiring just one bowl and common pantry ingredients. The cake turns out incredibly moist and tender, with a beautiful golden crust.

Plus, it freezes well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it anytime. Whether you want a wholesome breakfast or a guilt-free dessert, this banana cake checks all the boxes!

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (large)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan or 8-inch square cake pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf or cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender crumb.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma.
  4. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher. Add them to the wet mixture and combine well.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional spices. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Fold in the chopped nuts carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
  8. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.

You can swap out the nuts for your favorites—try almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a unique twist. For extra decadence, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or swirl cream cheese into the batter before baking.

If you prefer a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.

Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the cake a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall and winter.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 280 kcal
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 55 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Total Carbohydrates 38 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 22 g
Protein 4 g

Serving Suggestions

This banana cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a healthier option, try serving it with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

It also tastes fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. You can slice it thinly and toast the slices lightly for a crunchy breakfast treat.

Adding a smear of nut butter on top enhances the nutty flavor further.

If you’d like to explore more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or try something warm and comforting like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

Conclusion

This banana cake recipe with nuts is a delightful treat that blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of nuts. It’s easy to prepare, requires common ingredients, and yields a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will love.

Whether for a cozy family gathering or a simple afternoon indulgence, this cake is a versatile and timeless choice.

By following the simple steps, you can create a bakery-quality cake right in your own kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts or add-ins to make it your own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other great dishes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Banana Cake with Nuts

Description: A moist and flavorful banana cake studded with crunchy nuts. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
  6. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  7. Fold in chopped nuts.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 42 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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