Indulge in the rich flavors of Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake, a decadent dessert perfect for any celebration. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Introduction

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the moistness of banana cake, the crunch of pecans, and the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel. This cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent. The layers of tender banana cake are complemented by a smooth caramel frosting and sprinkled with toasted pecans for added texture and flavor. Whether you’re a fan of banana desserts or a caramel lover, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this show-stopping Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake.

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and chopped

Directions

For the Banana Cake:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
5. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1. Make the Caramel Base:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Finish the Frosting:
   • Transfer the caramel mixture to a large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

For Assembly:

1. Frost the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
2. Add the Pecan Topping:
   • Press the toasted and chopped pecans into the sides of the cake and sprinkle some on top.

How to Prepare

Begin by baking the moist banana cakes, then whip up a rich caramel frosting. Layer the cakes with frosting, and finish with a generous sprinkling of toasted pecans for added crunch. This show-stopping cake is sure to impress!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Assembly Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 12-14 people.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.

2. How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream would also pair well with the banana cake.

4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and adjust the consistency with a bit more cream if needed.

5. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts make a great substitute for pecans if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. The moist banana cake, rich caramel frosting, and crunchy pecans create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Easy to make yet incredibly indulgent, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe for special occasions. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful cake and the joy it brings to your table. Happy baking!