Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Here’s a delicious recipe for Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake. This cake is layered with moist banana cake, crunchy pecans, and decadent caramel frosting. Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat!

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Garnish:

• ½ cup chopped pecans
• Banana slices (optional)

Instructions

For the Banana Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars (both granulated and brown) together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
7. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Caramel Frosting:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
2. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, whisk in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time.

For the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden caramel.
2. Add the butter, stirring until fully melted.
3. Slowly pour in the cream and continue stirring until smooth. Stir in the pinch of salt and remove from heat. Let cool to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting over the top.
2. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting, caramel drizzle, and pecan sprinkle.
4. If desired, garnish with banana slices and extra pecans on top.
5. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the entire cake for a stunning finish.

Enjoy your decadent Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake!