Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Introduction
Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the sweet flavors of bananas and caramel together with crunchy pecans. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake! First, it is really simple to prepare. The ingredients are basic and easy to find. Plus, the combination of flavors—sweet bananas, rich caramel, and nutty pecans—creates a layered cake that everyone will love. Every bite is moist and delicious, making it a great dessert for any occasion!
How to Make Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of caramel sauce over it, then top with the second layer.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with extra pecans if desired.
How to Serve Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor. Cut it into slices and put a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like. It pairs great with a cup of coffee or tea!
How to Store Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh for a few more days, but let it come back to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
- Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best sweetness.
- Don’t over-mix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake light.
- Use fresh pecans for a more potent nutty flavor.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist. Or, swap out the caramel for cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas? A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have pecans? A: You can use walnuts or omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake with your loved ones!
