Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

If you’re a fan of moist, rich banana cake with a creamy twist, this Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is the dessert you’ve been dreaming of! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors, but with a healthier makeover that aligns with your Weight Watchers goals. This cake is lightened up with smart ingredient swaps, so you can indulge without the guilt.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious cake that will leave you and your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake

• 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture without extra fat)
• 1/4 cup light butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar or a sugar substitute (such as Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 2 large egg whites (or 1 large egg for added richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)

For the Cream Filling

• 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (for creaminess and protein)
• 1/4 cup light whipped cream cheese (or use a non-dairy cream cheese for a dairy-free version)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts (plus more for garnish)

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• A dusting of powdered sugar or Stevia for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray. This will ensure your cake comes out easily once baked.

2. Make the Banana Cake

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the light butter and light brown sugar (or sugar substitute) until fluffy.
2. Add the egg whites (or whole egg) and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
4. Add the mashed bananas and applesauce to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the fat-free milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Cream Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the fat-free Greek yogurt, light whipped cream cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Once the cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the cake in half horizontally to create two layers.

5. Assemble the Cake

1. Spread the cream filling evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
2. Sprinkle crushed walnuts over the cream filling for a nutty crunch.
3. Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press it down.
4. Top with additional crushed walnuts and a light dusting of powdered sugar or Stevia, if desired.

6. Serve & Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 12 Slices)

• Calories: 180
• WW Points: 5 points (per slice)
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake

1. Moist & Flavorful: The ripe bananas make this cake wonderfully moist, and the combination of walnuts adds the perfect nutty crunch.
2. Creamy & Decadent: The Greek yogurt and cream cheese filling add a luscious, creamy texture that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cake.
3. Lightened-Up: By using lighter ingredients like applesauce, fat-free milk, and Greek yogurt, we’ve kept the cake indulgent but healthy enough to enjoy without guilt.
4. Perfect for Sharing: This cake is perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or just a fun dessert to have on hand when you want something sweet.

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking!
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Serve Cold: For an extra refreshing touch, chill the assembled cake before serving, allowing the filling to firm up and enhance the flavors.
• Customize the Toppings: You can add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra richness or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth.

Variations

• Add More Fruit: Consider adding some fresh banana slices or berries between the layers for an extra burst of fruitiness.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs instead of egg whites, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt, and use a plant-based cream cheese.
• Caramel Twist: Add a light drizzle of caramel syrup on top for a rich, decadent flavor without adding too many points.

Pairings

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake pairs beautifully with:

• A cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy, afternoon snack.
• A scoop of fat-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• A fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the cake and add a burst of freshness.

This Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a creamy filling that makes each bite melt in your mouth. You’ll love the moist texture, the crunch of walnuts, and the lightness that makes it perfect for anyone following the Weight Watchers plan. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy without compromising on flavor or your health goals.