Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake with moist banana cake layers, buttery caramel frosting, and pecan garnish. Perfect for dessert lovers!

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Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe: A Show-Stopping Dessert

Moist, flavorful banana cake layers paired with a rich caramel frosting and crunchy pecans make this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake a truly irresistible treat. Whether for a celebration or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to delight!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped pecans.
  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2️⃣ Make the Caramel Frosting:

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring constantly until it begins to boil.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a bit more cream if needed.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake:

  1. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top, then repeat with the second and third layers.
  2. Finish Frosting: Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides of the cake. Garnish with chopped pecans.
  3. Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing and serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought caramel frosting? Homemade caramel frosting adds a richer flavor, but you can use store-bought if short on time.
  • How can I make the cake ahead? Bake and freeze the cake layers, then frost on the day you plan to serve for best freshness.
  • Can I add bananas to the frosting? Bananas in the frosting may affect texture; it’s best to keep the bananas in the cake layer only.

Conclusion

This Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the warm, nutty flavor of pecans, and a buttery caramel frosting. Ideal for special occasions, this cake will impress everyone with its balance of flavors and rich texture. Enjoy each decadent bite!

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