Simple Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe That Wows Everyone

Sweet layers of decadence mingle with a banana pecan caramel layer cake that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Soft, moist banana cake becomes the canvas for rich caramel notes and toasted pecans.

Delicate crumb meets intense flavor in every single bite.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch against smooth caramel undertones.

The cake balances sweetness with depth, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration.

Why Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Is So Special

• Savor Homemade Comfort: Indulge in a delightful banana cake that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite, perfect for family gatherings and special celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning dessert, with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Nutty Texture Delight: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and rich, toasted flavor that elevates the cake from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a satisfying sensory experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Impressive enough for elegant events yet approachable enough for casual get-togethers, this cake works perfectly for birthdays, potlucks, and weekend treats.

Ingredients You Need for Banana Pecan Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft and powdery base for tender cakes.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Magical rising agents for fluffy texture.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer for the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy foundation for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet partners that add depth and moisture.

• Eggs: Binding champions that hold everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm and aromatic flavor booster.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that ensures soft cake texture.

• Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet fruit that adds natural sweetness.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuggets of nutty goodness.

• Butter: Smooth base for creamy caramel frosting.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, rich sweetener for caramel flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Silky liquid that creates luscious consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Smooth sugar for perfect frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer for frosting.

How to Bake and Build the Layered Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Generously coat three round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Cake Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Blend in vanilla extract and mashed ripe bananas.

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

Gently fold in chopped pecans.

Step 3: Bake The Cake Layers

Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans.

Smooth surfaces with a spatula.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.

Step 4: Whip Up Caramel Frosting

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add brown sugar and cream, bringing to a boil while stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.

Adjust thickness with additional cream if needed.

Step 5: Construct The Magnificent Cake

Position first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting.

Repeat with remaining layers.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a delightful crunch.

Allow frosting to set before serving.

Expert Tips for a Moist and Sweet Banana Cake

• Select overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your cake.
• Add extra mashed banana cautiously to prevent a dense, heavy cake texture that might compromise the overall lightness.
• Lightly toast pecans before folding into batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a more robust, crisp texture to the cake.
• Ensure caramel frosting is slightly warm when spreading for easier application and a glossy, professional-looking finish.
• Chill the cake briefly after frosting to help set the caramel layer and create cleaner, more defined cake slices when serving.

How to Keep and Enjoy Leftover Layer Cake

• Store the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Leave the cake at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance its flavor.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain the cake's moisture and prevent drying out.

Best Sips and Sides for Banana Pecan Cake

• Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a rich, sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the cake's caramel and banana flavors, enhancing the overall sweetness and complexity.
• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Choose a smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or vanilla to match the cake's rich profile, cutting through the sweetness while providing a complementary taste experience.
• Create Nutty Whiskey Match: Serve a bourbon or whiskey with warm, caramel undertones that echo the cake's pecan and caramel notes, creating a sophisticated and harmonious flavor combination.
• Serve Spiced Chai Delight: Prepare a creamy chai tea with its warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which will beautifully highlight the cake's nutty and sweet characteristics, offering a comforting beverage pairing.

Different Caramel and Nut Layer Options

• Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vegan Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk. Use vegan caramel made from coconut cream and maple syrup for a plant-based version that's equally decadent.
• Low-Sugar Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content by using naturally sweet ripe bananas and adding cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
• Nut-Free Alternative Banana Caramel Layer Cake: Remove pecans completely or replace with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies. Maintain the cake's original moisture and structure by ensuring other ingredients remain consistent.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without pecans?

Yes, you can omit pecans or substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired. The cake will still be delicious and moist.

• How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe, almost black bananas. The darker and softer they are, the more intense banana flavor and natural sweetness you’ll achieve in the cake.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, soft cake texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best taste and texture.

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana pecan caramel layer cake delivers southern comfort with rich, golden layers dripping with buttery caramel. Rich pecans and banana sweetness mingle in each luxurious bite that promises pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chopped pecans

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour, ensuring even coverage for easy cake removal.
2. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – creating a uniform mixture that will contribute to a light, airy texture.
3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, homogeneous batter.
5. Blend in vanilla extract and mashed bananas, which will infuse the cake with rich, natural sweetness and moisture.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients to prevent overmixing and ensure an even consistency.
7. Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly for a delightful crunch in every bite.
8. Divide batter equally among three prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces to create level layers.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden brown color and checking doneness with a toothpick.
10. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Create caramel frosting by melting butter and combining with brown sugar and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.
12. Remove caramel base from heat and let it cool slightly before gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
13. Adjust frosting consistency by adding cream if needed, aiming for a smooth, spreadable texture.
14. Construct the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate and spreading a generous amount of caramel frosting.
15. Repeat layering process with remaining cake layers, ensuring even frosting between each.
16. Cover the entire cake with remaining caramel frosting, creating a uniform, glossy exterior.
17. Embellish the cake’s surface with scattered chopped pecans for added visual appeal and textural contrast.
18. Allow frosting to set briefly before serving to achieve optimal texture and presentation.

Notes

• Select ripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor in the cake.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and add deeper complexity to the cake’s texture.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother batter mixing and more even cake texture, preventing potential lumps or uneven baking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend and adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg