Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake. Layers of moist banana cake filled with toasted pecans, caramel sauce, and creamy frosting make this a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- pinch of salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup prepared caramel sauce (cooled)
- 3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Extra toasted pecans
- caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and mashed bananas. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Stir in the toasted pecans. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber in color. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream (mixture will bubble) and stir until smooth. Add salt and let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add cooled caramel and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the top and sides. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with toasted pecans if desired.
Notes
- Make the cake layers a day ahead for easier assembly.
- Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
