Do bananas and walnuts go together?

Absolutely! Bananas and walnuts are a classic flavor pairing. The natural sweetness of bananas balances beautifully with the earthy crunch of walnuts, making them perfect partners in desserts like banana bread—or this Banana Dump Cake with Walnuts.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The most common mistake is not using enough butter. Butter is essential because it moistens the cake mix, allowing it to bake into a golden crust instead of staying powdery. Always make sure your cake mix is evenly covered with butter.

Can you put walnuts in banana cake?

Yes, walnuts are a popular addition to banana cakes, banana bread, and dump cakes. They add texture, richness, and a slightly nutty flavor that complements bananas perfectly.

How to stop walnuts sinking in a cake?

To keep walnuts from sinking, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of dry cake mix before adding them to the batter or sprinkling them on top. This helps suspend the nuts evenly throughout the cake as it bakes.

Banana Dump Cake with Walnuts – The Best Dessert Recipe 2025

Description

This easy dump cake layers sweet bananas, pudding mix, and buttery yellow cake mix with crunchy walnuts. It bakes into a soft, gooey filling with a crisp topping—like banana bread meets cobbler.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (optional for moisture & sweetness)
1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or banana pudding mix (dry)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Banana Layer: Arrange sliced bananas evenly in the bottom of the dish.
(If using pineapple, spread it evenly over the bananas.)
Add Dry Mixes: Sprinkle the dry pudding mix evenly over the fruit. Sprinkle the dry cake mix on top of the pudding layer. Do not stir.
Butter & Walnuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix (or dot with butter slices). Sprinkle chopped walnuts and cinnamon on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Serve: Cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

Riper bananas = sweeter flavor. Use spotty bananas for best taste.
Nut-Free Option: Skip walnuts or swap with pecans, hazelnuts, or granola.
Extra Indulgent: Add chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella before baking.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American