Southern Banana Nut Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful banana nut cake featuring ripe bananas, walnuts, raisins, and warm spices, perfect for gatherings and those who enjoy rich, homemade desserts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 stick butter or margarine
  • 1 cup oil
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 cups walnuts or pecans
  • 1.5 cups raisins
  • 6 ripe bananas

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs slightly.
  2. Add sugar, butter, and oil to the eggs and mix well.
  3. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon) into the wet mixture.
  4. Stir in mashed bananas, raisins, and nuts, then beat thoroughly.
  5. Pour batter into a tube (Bundt) pan and bake at 275°F for 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider separating the eggs and whipping the egg whites before folding them into the batter. You can substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you don't have walnuts or pecans, try using almonds or hazelnuts instead. For a hint of citrus, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Banana Nut Cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or as dessert following a hearty dish like Kansas Fried Steaks.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to refresh the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Banana Nut Cake contains roughly 3273 calories, with 33g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 264g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

3273 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 32.9g 66% DV
Total Fat 264.4g 100% DV
Carbs 188.7g 69% DV
Fiber 14.7g 53% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1421.8mg 62% DV
Potassium 1216.3mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 45.3mg 50% DV
Calcium 278.9mg 21% DV
Iron 10.2mg 57% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter. This will ensure the cake retains its moisture without becoming overly wet.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Banana Nut Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking soda, are gluten-free, and enjoy a deliciously moist cake without the gluten.

What can I use instead of raisins?

If you're not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Both alternatives add a nice sweetness and texture to the cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →