Moist Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe for Sweet Fans

Sweet memories dance through my banana pecan caramel layer cake, blending nostalgic comfort with decadent Southern charm.

Soft crumbs promise rich indulgence in every delectable slice.

Layers of golden cake whisper stories of cherished kitchen moments.

Buttery caramel weaves between tender banana-infused sections, creating irresistible complexity.

Crunchy pecans add delightful texture and nutty warmth to each heavenly bite.

Delicate frosting embraces these magnificent layers with creamy precision.

You’ll find this dessert impossible to resist – grab a fork and surrender to pure deliciousness.

What Makes Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake So Delightful

• Indulge in Decadence: This banana pecan caramel layer cake delivers a rich, luxurious dessert experience with multiple flavor dimensions that dance on your taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the pecan quantity or swap nuts to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their skills, this recipe teaches layering techniques and combines classic ingredients in a sophisticated yet approachable method.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress at gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations, this cake transforms a simple banana bread concept into an elegant, memorable treat that sparks conversation and delights guests.

Essential Ingredients for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Mashed Bananas: Contribute moisture, natural sweetness, and distinct banana flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Sour Cream: Enhances moisture and provides a slight tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and base of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Pecans, Caramel Sauce: Provide a crunchy texture and sweet, rich flavor to complement the banana cake.

How to Prepare Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your cake pans and give them a quick massage of butter and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. Drop in the eggs one by one, giving each a good beating until they’re fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Banana Goodness

Toss in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it looks smooth and delicious.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Sprinkle in the chopped pecans and fold them in with a soft touch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter equally among the three cake pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here!

Step 8: Create the Masterpiece

Once the cakes are totally cool, spread a generous layer of caramel sauce between each cake layer. Drizzle more caramel on top for that extra wow factor. Slice and serve this banana pecan caramel dream!

Insider Tips for Baking Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Prevent Pecan Sinking: Lightly coat chopped pecans in flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Create Moist Texture: Add sour cream and buttermilk to ensure a tender, soft cake that stays deliciously moist for several days after baking.
• Control Caramel Drizzle: Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve a smooth, even coverage that beautifully cascades down the cake layers.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake’s center – if it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Creative Variations of Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace dairy with almond or oat milk. Create a vegan caramel sauce using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Nut-Free Banana Caramel Cake: Omit pecans entirely or replace with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Keep the cake’s rich banana and caramel flavors intact while making it safe for those with nut allergies.

Ideal Food and Drink Matches for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Pair Creamy Caramel Coffee: A rich, smooth latte or cappuccino perfectly complements the sweet banana and caramel layers, balancing the cake’s richness with its warm, velvety texture.
• Serve with Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: A classic old fashioned with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg echoes the cake’s warm pecan notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A classic scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream cuts through the cake’s sweetness, providing a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm caramel and banana flavors.
• Enhance with Chai Tea: A spicy, aromatic chai tea brings out the cake’s nutty pecan undertones while offering a gentle, warming counterpoint to the dessert’s sweet profile.

Best Storage Practices for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs You Need About Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• How do I make sure my banana cake is moist?

The key is using overripe bananas with lots of brown spots and not overmixing the batter. Mashed ripe bananas add natural moisture, and mixing just until ingredients are combined prevents the cake from becoming tough.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don’t have it?

Yes, you can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

• Why add pecans to the cake batter?

Pecans provide a delicious nutty crunch and complement the sweetness of bananas and caramel. They also add texture and a rich, toasted flavor to the cake layers.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent banana pecan caramel layer cake promises pure dessert bliss with its rich, harmonious flavors. Sweet caramel and nutty pecans elevate this classic cake, delivering a memorable experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 350F (175C), ensuring cake pans are thoroughly greased and lightly dusted with flour for optimal cake release.
2. Create a smooth, aerated butter and sugar mixture by vigorously beating until the texture becomes pale and voluminous, then incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Blend mashed bananas, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, achieving a uniform and silky consistency.
4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute leavening agents evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate structure, then carefully incorporate chopped pecans.
6. Distribute batter equally among three prepared cake pans, ensuring smooth surface and consistent depth for even baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350F, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and cakes display a golden-brown exterior.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks, permitting complete temperature reduction.
9. Once fully cooled, construct cake layers by generously spreading caramel sauce between each tier, finishing with an elegant drizzle across the top surface.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Mash bananas thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even texture throughout the batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create a more uniform and lighter cake consistency.
• Adjust sweetness by choosing ripe bananas or reducing caramel sauce for a less sweet version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg