Description

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a decadent dessert made with moist banana cake layers, toasted pecans, and a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent cravings, it combines comforting flavors and textures in a showstopping presentation.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting

Extra banana slices for garnish (optional)

For the caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup heavy cream

Pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
Cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
To make caramel sauce, heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber in color. Carefully whisk in butter, then cream. Simmer briefly until thick. Add salt if desired and let cool.
Toast chopped pecans in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.
To assemble, spread frosting on the first cake layer, top with pecans and caramel drizzle. Repeat for remaining layers.
Frost the outside lightly or fully, drizzle more caramel over the top, and garnish with pecans and banana slices if desired.

Notes

Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted version.

Skip pecans or use crushed toffee for a nut-free option.

Use cupcake tins for mini versions.

Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, but buttercream works too.

Add banana slices between layers for more banana flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 550
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg