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Healthy Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

This Healthy Banana Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful treat made with wholesome ingredients like white whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, and walnuts. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and enhanced with cinnamon, this cake offers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. It’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert option that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour (180g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed very ripe banana (240g), about 3 medium bananas
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 34 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 3/4 cup finely chopped or ground walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up after baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir these ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
  3. Prepare wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, mash the very ripe bananas using the back of a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining. Add Greek yogurt, lightly beaten eggs, olive oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Fold in the chopped or ground walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Bake the cake. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Optional frosting. If desired, spread cream cheese frosting on the cooled cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and to make slicing easier before serving.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Maple syrup amount can be adjusted based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Leftover cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
  • Optional cream cheese frosting adds richness but is not necessary for a delicious cake.