Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting

Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

The Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, comforting flavors of ripe bananas and rich caramel with the unique, earthy taste of black walnuts. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of textures and flavors makes this cake a memorable dessert that stands out from the classic banana cake.

History

The use of bananas in baking became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, with banana bread recipes appearing in cookbooks by the 1930s. Black walnuts, native to North America, have been used in traditional cooking for centuries, prized for their bold flavor. The Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting is a modern twist on these classic ingredients, combining them into a decadent dessert that pays homage to its roots while offering a fresh and sophisticated taste experience.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 cup solid vegetable shortening
1.5 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
0.25 cup buttermilk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped black walnuts

Frosting

0.5 cup butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
0.33 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
16 oz (454 g) box confectioners' sugar
2 cups finely chopped black walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease and flour 2 cake pans.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and baking soda, then set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Stir in the black walnuts, then pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes.
Cool the cakes in the pans on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely.

Frosting

Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the brown sugar and cream.
Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla, then transfer to a large bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat in the confectioners' sugar a little at a time until smooth.
Sandwich 2 layers of cake with the frosting, then frost the outside.
Press chopped black walnuts over the top and down the sides of the cake.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try substituting pecans or traditional walnuts for the black walnuts. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added warmth and flavor. For a lighter frosting, consider a cream cheese frosting instead of the caramel frosting.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Banana Black Walnut Cake, use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. When creaming the shortening and sugar, make sure to beat them until they are light and fluffy, as this will help create a tender crumb. For the frosting, be patient when dissolving the sugar in the butter and cream mixture to avoid any graininess. Lastly, chopping the black walnuts finely for the frosting will give the cake a beautiful appearance and an even distribution of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or an afternoon treat. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect texture for the cake requires careful mixing to avoid overworking the batter. When making the frosting, a steady, medium-low heat will ensure the sugar dissolves properly without burning. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer will help achieve a smooth, creamy frosting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If black walnuts are not available, regular walnuts or pecans can be used as a substitute. For those looking to reduce the fat content, applesauce can be used in place of some of the shortening in the cake batter. A dairy-free version of the frosting can be made using coconut cream and vegan butter.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for up to a month. The frosting can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Simply bring it to room temperature and beat it again before frosting the cake.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, garnish the frosted cake with whole black walnuts and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of sophistication to this delightful dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

A sweet dessert wine or a rich coffee complements the flavors of the Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced chai tea or a glass of cold milk makes a comforting pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. To serve, let the cake come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This cake does not require reheating, but individual slices can be gently warmed in the microwave if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting contains approximately 400 calories. Due to its rich ingredients, this cake is quite calorie-dense, making it a treat to be savored on special occasions.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the sugar and flour used in the cake and frosting. This dessert is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Fats

This cake is relatively high in fat, with each serving containing about 20 grams of fat. The fats come from the vegetable shortening, eggs, butter, and black walnuts. While black walnuts contain healthy fats, the other sources of fat are more saturated and should be consumed thoughtfully.

Proteins

Each serving of the cake provides around 5 grams of protein, primarily from the eggs, black walnuts, and milk products used in the recipe. While not a high-protein food, the cake does contribute a small amount towards daily protein requirements.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas and black walnuts contribute vitamins and minerals to this dessert. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, while black walnuts are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. However, the amounts present in a single serving of cake are relatively small.

Alergens

This recipe contains several common allergens, including nuts (black walnuts), dairy (butter, cream), eggs, and gluten (flour). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

The Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting is a decadent dessert that offers a rich blend of flavors and textures. While it provides certain nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and minerals from bananas and black walnuts, it is also high in calories, fats, and sugars. Enjoying this cake in moderation is key to fitting it into a balanced diet.

Summary

The Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting is a luxurious dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana and caramel with the distinctive taste of black walnuts. While rich in flavor and texture, it is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. With careful preparation and presentation, this cake can be a show-stopping addition to any special occasion or a delightful treat to enjoy any day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting. It was a sunny day in the early days of my marriage, and my husband and I were attending a community potluck. As I perused the buffet table, my eyes landed on a beautiful cake that stood out amongst the other desserts. It was a moist banana cake, studded with chunks of black walnuts and topped with a rich caramel frosting. I knew I had to find out who had made it and get the recipe.

I tracked down the woman who had brought the cake and struck up a conversation with her. Her name was Mrs. Jenkins, and she had been baking this cake for years. She told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem.

I couldn't wait to get home and try my hand at making the Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting. As I gathered the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, I could feel a sense of anticipation building. The scent of ripe bananas and toasting walnuts filled the air, and I knew that this cake was going to be something special.

The process of making the cake was a labor of love. I mashed the bananas until they were smooth and creamy, then folded them into the batter along with the chopped black walnuts. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the cake baked was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the cake emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew that I had created something truly special. The caramel frosting was the perfect finishing touch, rich and sweet with a hint of saltiness that complemented the flavors of the cake perfectly. As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting countless times. It has become a family favorite, requested for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Each time I make it, I think back to that sunny day at the potluck when I first discovered the recipe, and I am filled with gratitude for Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity in sharing it with me.

As I bake this cake for my own grandchildren now, I can't help but think about the joy that cooking and baking can bring to a family. The act of creating something delicious and sharing it with loved ones is a powerful way to connect and create memories that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the recipes that have been passed down to me over the years, and I hope to continue sharing them with future generations.

In the end, it's not just about the cake itself, but the love and care that goes into making it. The Banana Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple recipe and a shared meal with family and friends.