banana pecan caramel layer cake

Best Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe – Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistible!

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If you’re looking for a mouth-watering cake that’s full of flavor and perfect for any celebration, a banana pecan cake with caramel layers is your answer. This delightful caramel banana pecan cake blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of a caramel frosting. Ultimately, each bite of this caramel pecan cake provides a harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress.

There are many reasons why this banana pecan caramel cake stands out. To begin with, the bananas add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake, making it tender. Additionally, the pecans provide a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor. Furthermore, a caramel sauce ties all the flavors together, adding a buttery, sweet finish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply craving a special treat, this banana nut cake with caramel is certainly a showstopper.

If you’re seeking more inspiration and wish to explore variations of this pecan caramel layer cake, you might want to check out An Italian in My Kitchen’s Banana Pecan Caramel Cake. Not only does their version include a caramel drizzle, but it also enhances the cake’s flavor. Moreover, it offers a delightful twist to the classic banana pecan layer cake, adding even more layers of flavor.

Ingredients for a Perfect Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

To create the ideal banana pecan cake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients. By preparing everything beforehand, you will ensure a smooth baking process.

Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • A pinch of salt

Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp caramel sauce (from above)

Step-by-Step Guide to Bake a Moist Banana Pecan Cake

 Prepare the Cake Layers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing and flouring three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then, set this dry mixture aside.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Afterward, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Next, incorporate the mashed bananas into the wet mixture, ensuring that all ingredients blend smoothly.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Make sure to mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in the chopped pecans carefully to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
  7. After the batter is ready, pour it evenly into the three prepared pans. Then, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Finally, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For a creative take on the banana pecan layer cake, consider trying this Banana Pecan Caramel Drip Cake from The Goode Baker. It features a Swiss meringue buttercream frosting, which adds an elegant touch to complement the caramel flavors.

 Make the Caramel Sauce for Your Caramel Banana Nut Cake

  1. To make the caramel sauce, melt the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. At first, the sugar will clump, but eventually, it will melt into a thick, amber liquid.
  2. After the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter. Stir gently, as the mixture may bubble up.
  3. Gradually pour in the cream while stirring. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, and then remove it from the heat.
  4. Finally, add a pinch of salt. Set the caramel aside to cool before using it in the cake.

 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the frosting becomes creamy.
  3. Lastly, add 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled caramel sauce to flavor the frosting, and mix until combined.

 Assemble Your Delicious Banana Pecan Cake

  1. Level the cake layers if necessary to ensure even stacking.
  2. To begin assembling, place the first layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous amount of frosting on top. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce over the frosting.
  3. Repeat with the second and third layers, adding frosting and caramel between each.
  4. Finally, frost the top and sides of the cake, then drizzle any remaining caramel sauce on top. Garnish with additional pecans if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

  • Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better they will enhance the cake’s flavor and add natural sweetness.
  • Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can make the cake dense, so mix until just combined.
  • Make ahead: If desired, bake the cake layers a day in advance. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.

Variations to Try for Your Caramel Pecan Cake

  • Add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolatey twist.
  • Alternatively, swap pecans for walnuts to experiment with different nutty flavors.
  • Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for a sweet-salty combination.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sugar: 40g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this banana caramel nut cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers up to a day in advance. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Additionally, the caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for my banana pecan caramel cake?

Yes, of course! While homemade caramel sauce offers a richer flavor, store-bought caramel works just as well when you’re short on time.

3. How should I store the pecan caramel layer cake?

For optimal freshness, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the environment is warm, consider refrigerating it. Remember to bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

4. Can I use a different type of frosting for this banana nut cake?

Certainly! Although cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake, you can use a buttercream or whipped cream frosting if you prefer.

Conclusion

In summary, a banana pecan caramel cake is a perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for a treat, this banana nut cake with caramel will surely be a hit. Therefore, try out different variations and share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!

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