Heavenly Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of childhood baking swirl around this decadent banana pecan caramel layer cake that promises pure comfort.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through every tender crumb and golden slice.

Rich caramel threads weave between soft banana-infused layers, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that contrasts against the silky smooth frosting.

Moist cake layers whisper stories of indulgence and careful crafting.

Layers of flavor beckon you to slice, savor, and surrender to this irresistible treat.

One bite will transport you to a world of pure dessert bliss.

What Makes Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Special

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This banana pecan caramel layer cake brings pure comfort with its rich, moist texture and classic flavor combination that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize this cake by adjusting pecan quantities or adding extra caramel drizzle, making it perfect for adapting to individual taste preferences and skill levels.
• Impress Without Stress: Despite looking elegant, this recipe requires basic baking skills, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made and tastes absolutely delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, this cake offers a delightful blend of banana sweetness, nutty pecans, and smooth caramel that appeals to multiple age groups and palates.

Ingredients Needed for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A standard flour that provides the structural foundation for the cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds moisture and creates a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a soft cake crumb.
• Bananas: Ripe bananas contribute natural sweetness, moisture, and a distinct fruity flavor to the cake.

• Caramel Sauce, Pecans: A luxurious combination that adds a rich, nutty sweetness to the cake layers.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the dense banana cake and adds a creamy texture.

Stepwise Instructions for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 350F and coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Bananas

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add mashed ripe bananas and mix thoroughly until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the banana-butter blend. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans. Spread evenly and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 6: Cool and Assemble

• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans
• Whipped cream

Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a stunning presentation.

Insider Tips for Perfect Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Master Banana Ripeness: Choose overripe bananas with dark spots for deeper, sweeter flavor and natural caramelization in your cake.
• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake layers.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don't overmix the batter and check cake doneness early to ensure a moist, tender texture that doesn't become tough or dry.
• Caramel Drizzling Technique: Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to create smooth, even layers and prevent clumping between cake layers.
• Cream Stability Trick: Whip cream just before assembling to maintain its fluffy texture and prevent deflation during cake decoration.

Delicious Twists on Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich, moist texture.
• Vegan Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce made with sugar alternatives.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the cake's delicious crunch and flavor profile.

Pairings to Enhance Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• Pair Sweet Caramel Warmth with Rich Bourbon: A smooth, aged bourbon like Maker's Mark complements the cake's sweet caramel notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience with deep, complex flavors that enhance each bite.
• Create Creamy Coffee Contrast: Serve a velvety cappuccino or smooth latte alongside the cake, letting the espresso's boldness cut through the cake's sweetness while the milk's creaminess matches the whipped cream layers.
• Elevate with Vanilla Gelato: Scoop a chilled, smooth vanilla gelato next to the cake, providing a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm caramel and nutty pecan textures, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.

How to Keep Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for easy single-serving portions up to 1 month.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.

Common Questions About Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

• What ingredients make this cake moist and flavorful?

The mashed bananas and butter create a rich, tender texture while adding natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the cake.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty taste to the cake.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

• Is this cake good for special occasions?

Yes, this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want an impressive and delicious dessert that looks and tastes amazing.

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Layers of pure indulgence, this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake weaves together rich flavors of ripe bananas, toasted pecans, and silky caramel. Sweet comfort meets elegant dessert craftsmanship in this irresistible cake you’ll want to savor slice by delectable slice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup whipped cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare cake pans by coating with butter and dusting with flour at 350F (175C), ensuring even coverage.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, sifting flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until achieving a creamy, aerated texture.
4. Incorporate mashed bananas into the butter mixture, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using gentle stirring motions to prevent overmixing and maintain cake’s delicate texture.
6. Distribute batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces to ensure uniform baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans midway through cooking to guarantee even browning and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture condensation underneath.
9. Construct cake layers by spreading caramel sauce between each cake layer, generously sprinkling chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
10. Top the cake with whipped cream, creating elegant swirls and drizzling additional caramel sauce for a luxurious finishing touch.

Notes

• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake layers.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes after assembling to help the caramel set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free baking mix for a tender, moist texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg