Decadent Banana Nut Cake with Creamy Cheese Frosting
Indulge in a slice of nostalgia with this Decadent Banana Nut Cake, originally inspired by Paula Deen's wedding cake. This delightful dessert features moist layers of rich banana cake studded with crunchy pecans, all beautifully enveloped in luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just an exquisite treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a cake that will impress family and friends alike. Customize the size as needed to suit your occasion, and savor the comforting flavors that make this cake a true classic!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
to taste (for greasing pans)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (plus more for dusting pans)
sugar
2 cups
baking soda
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
3 large (beaten)
vegetable oil
3/4 cup
ripe bananas
4 large (mashed)
chopped pecans
1 cup
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons
cream cheese
8 ounces (at room temperature)
butter
1/2 cup (at room temperature (1 stick))
confectioners' sugar
1 pound (sifted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
chopped pecans
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, setting them aside for later use.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3
Add the beaten eggs and vegetable oil to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the cake's fluffiness.
4
Fold in the mashed bananas, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly incorporated.
5
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 23 to 28 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6
Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting by blending the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8
Incorporate the vanilla extract and stir until well combined. If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or set aside to sprinkle over the frosted cake.
9
Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, then layer with the second cake, repeating the process. Top with the final layer and frost the entire cake. Garnish with pecans if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Banana Nut Cake?
It is a moist, three-layer cake featuring bananas and pecans, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Who inspired this banana cake recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by Paula Deen's wedding cake.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many cake pans are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires three 9-inch round cake pans.
How do I prepare the cake pans before baking?
Butter and flour the pans to ensure the cake layers do not stick.
What are the primary dry ingredients for the cake?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What type of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How many bananas are used in this cake?
The recipe uses 4 large ripe bananas, which should be mashed.
What kind of nuts are used in the cake?
Chopped pecans are used in both the batter and the frosting.
How long does the cake bake?
Bake the layers for 23 to 28 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake layers are done?
Insert a wooden pick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
Should the cake layers cool in the pans?
Yes, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them.
Where should the cakes finish cooling?
Transfer the layers to wire racks to cool completely.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting contains cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and optional pecans.
What should the temperature of the cream cheese and butter be?
Both should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting.
Do I need to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Yes, sifting the sugar helps make the frosting light and fluffy.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in the frosting?
The recipe requires 1 pound of sifted confectioners' sugar.
How do I assemble the cake?
Place one layer on a plate, frost the top, add the second layer, frost, add the third layer, and frost the whole cake.
How much vanilla extract is needed for the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I add pecans to the frosting itself?
Yes, you can either fold chopped pecans into the frosting or sprinkle them on the outside.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, it is perfect for parties, weddings, holidays, and celebrations.
What makes this cake a classic comfort food?
The combination of ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and sweet cream cheese frosting creates a nostalgic flavor profile.
Should I mix the batter vigorously?
No, you should stir gently and avoid over-mixing to maintain a fluffy texture.
How much cinnamon is in the cake?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much salt is used in the dry mix?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I garnish the cake?
Yes, you can garnish the finished cake with additional chopped pecans.
How many layers does the finished cake have?
The finished cake consists of three moist layers.
What size are the bananas?
The recipe specifies using 4 large ripe bananas.
How much butter is in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) of room temperature butter.