Tennessee Banana-Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Fro

Name: Tennessee Banana-Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped black walnuts*; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more as necessary; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar; 2 cups finely chopped black walnuts, for garnish (optional)*

Servings: persons

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped black walnuts*
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more as necessary
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar
2 cups finely chopped black walnuts, for garnish (optional)*

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans.
2
For the cake: In a medium bowl, stir together flour and baking soda; set aside.
3
Using an electric mixer, cream together shortening and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4
Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5
Mix in mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla.
6
Add flour mixture, mix until just combined.
7
Stir in black walnuts.
8
Pour into prepared pans.
9
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
10
Cool in pans on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
11
Remove from pans and cool completely.
12
Meanwhile, prepare frosting.
13
Melt butter in small saucepan.
14
Add brown sugar and 1/3 cup cream.
15
Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
16
Remove from heat and add vanilla.
17
Transfer to a large bowl.
18
Using a handheld electric mixer, beat in confectioners' sugar a little at a time until smooth.
19
If frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream at a time until consistency is right.
20
Sandwich 2 layers of cake with frosting.
21
Frost the outside of the cake.
22
Press chopped black walnuts on the sides of the cake, if desired.
23
*Cook's Note: DO NOT substitute English walnuts for black walnuts.

1892

kcal

Calories

104

Fat

225

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and more.

Yes, Tennessee Banana-Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Tennessee Banana-Black Walnut Cake with Caramel Frosting

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions