How to Bake the Perfect Moist Banana Walnut Sheet Cake in Simple Steps

In the world of baking, some recipes never go out of style, they are transcendent to any trend or fad and leave a place in our hearts. The banana walnut sheet cake is one such masterpiece. With ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, this cake is a coming together of wholesome ingredients that just blend seamlessly. Sheet cakes, being so big and flat, are great for feeding a crowd or savoring over a few days. Whether it's a festive gathering or a cozy weekend at home, this moist banana walnut sheet cake strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence. Let's make this classic treat that never fails to impress.

What Is a Sheet Cake?

A single-layer cake, which is usually baked in a rectangular or square pan, a sheet cake constitutes one of the simplest and easiest ways to prepare and serve a cake at any casual occasion or for quick baking. Usually frosted or topped with simple garnishes, generous in size, and thereby good for sharing, sheet cakes make excellent bases for creative toppings and decorations because they have a flat and uniform surface.

Moist Banana Walnut Sheet Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• Overripe bananas: 4 medium, mashed
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Vegetable oil: ¾ cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: ½ cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Chopped walnuts: ¾ cup, plus extra for topping
• Cinnamon powder: ½ teaspoon (optional)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the mashed bananas, oil, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients without overmixing. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra walnuts on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

5 Tips for Moist Banana Walnut Sheet Cake

Use Overripe Bananas

The key to a moist banana walnut sheet cake lies in using overripe bananas. Bananas with dark spots on the peel are naturally sweeter and more aromatic, which enhances the overall taste. Their moisture content is another reason they have a soft and tender crumb. You can easily ripen bananas that have not reached an overripe state by baking them for 15 minutes in a 150°C oven.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, and precision is crucial. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. Too much flour can make the cake dense, while too little can affect its structure. For best results, use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour—spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife.

Never Overmix the Batter

Once you have combined the wet and dry ingredients, just until the batter comes together, or you may end up activating the gluten in the flour, and your cake will be tough. Lumps are fine and will bake out. Gentle mixing will get you a soft, tender cake.

Include of Moist Retain Ingredients

The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar retains the moisture. The presence of molasses within the brown sugar provides a subtle richness. Oils with vegetable flavor and milk ensure that the cake remains soft even upon cooling down. That's because it is ready to eat and can be easily stored for later consumption.

Roast the Walnuts to a More Fragrant

Roasting the walnuts before they're added to the batter ensures their nutty aroma and taste. Toss them on a baking sheet, and roast for 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F or 175°C, and then allow them to cool and chop before adding to the cake. It would be that layer of depth with each piece.