If you’ve been craving a dessert that hugs your soul and tickles your taste buds, this Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, moist cake bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, and a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce that brings everything beautifully together. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a celebratory gathering, this cake promises to shine and impress with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet play a vital role in creating the rich flavors and perfect texture of our Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe. Each one brings its own magic, from the nuttiness of pecans to the tangy creaminess of buttermilk, ensuring every slice is a delight.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The natural sweetness and moisture foundation that makes this cake tender.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty depth for contrast in texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and contributes to the softness of the crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake with pure, clean flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and moistness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- 1 cup caramel sauce: The grand finale topping, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that ties everything perfectly.
How to Make Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and then give your 9-inch round cake pan a good greasing and flouring. This step is crucial for a smooth release after baking, so your beautiful cake stays intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will work its magic with the wet ingredients later, ensuring an even rise and perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cake a wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with its warm aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This careful mixing keeps the batter smooth and helps maintain the cake’s softness.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Pecans
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped pecans. The bananas provide moisture and sweetness while the pecans add that signature crunch that’s so satisfying in this cake.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 8: Cool and Add Caramel
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce – this finishing touch brings the whole Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe to its glorious peak.
How to Serve Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar complements the rich caramel beautifully. You can also sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for added texture and visual appeal. Sometimes, a little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it from fantastic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs delightfully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai latte, creating a cozy, comforting moment. For a special brunch or dessert, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit compote to balance its richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling mini versions as layered parfaits with cake cubes, caramel drizzle, and chopped pecans layered in glass cups. Or serve slices warmed slightly and topped with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezing
This Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. You can freeze for up to three months, making it a great option for preparing dessert in advance.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Adding a bit of caramel sauce after warming will revive its original lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts work just as well in this cake and will add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them lightly for the best result.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions since moisture levels can vary.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For optimal sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. These bananas blend easily and impart the best flavor to the cake.
Is the caramel sauce homemade or store-bought?
You can use either. Store-bought caramel sauce is a great shortcut, but homemade caramel adds a richer, more personalized flavor if you have the time.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special. From the moist banana layers to the crunchy pecans and luscious caramel, each bite is a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes a beloved classic in your own kitchen.
Print
Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Pecan Caramel Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy pecans and a luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly spiced and rich, this cake is ideal for celebrations or a special treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later to ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes around 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer and is important for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Fold in Bananas and Pecans: Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas and chopped pecans to the batter for a moist texture with crunchy bits throughout.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the cake generously with caramel sauce before serving for an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce as preferred.
- For added moisture, consider brushing the baked cake with a little extra buttermilk or simple syrup before applying caramel.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
