Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or a round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add Bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Optional Step: If the batter seems thick, you can add ¼ cup of milk to make it smoother and more moist.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the cake warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Add Frosting: For a more indulgent treat, top the cake with cream cheese frosting or a light glaze.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: This banana and walnut cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion:
This banana and walnut cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a great choice for any time of day. With its moist crumb and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe in your collection!