Heavenly Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe: Sweet Magic Awaits!

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this banana pecan caramel cake that melts hearts instantly.

Layers of rich, moist goodness tell a delectable story of comfort and indulgence.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft, ripe bananas.

Caramel drizzles invite pure decadence across each tender slice.

Delicate crumbs promise a sensory journey that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Home bakers can easily craft this magical dessert with simple ingredients and intuitive techniques.

This cake will become your signature sweet treat that everyone begs you to make again.

Slice into pure bliss and let each bite transport you to dessert paradise.

Ideal Pairings for a Nutty Banana Treat

• Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with a splash of caramel-flavored creamer to complement the cake's sweet and nutty profile.
• Top the cake slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bourbon ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between warm cake and cold, smooth ice cream.
• Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling to echo the caramel notes and balance the cake's rich flavors.
• Prepare a warm, spicy chai latte that highlights the cake's cinnamon undertones and provides a comforting, aromatic beverage pairing.

Flavor Variations That Take This Cake Further

• Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Banana Pecan Caramel Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk. Use vegan caramel sauce and dairy-free alternatives.
• Keto-Friendly Banana Cake: Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour. Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. Reduce banana quantity and add more nuts for lower carbs.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans entirely or replace with sunflower seeds for similar crunch. Use seed butter instead of nut-based ingredients to maintain texture and flavor profile.

Why Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Feels Like a Hug

• Perfect for Busy Bakers
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this cake approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
• Combines classic banana bread flavors with decadent caramel and crunchy pecans, creating a dessert everyone will love and request again.
• Time-Saving Baking Brilliance
• Uses basic pantry ingredients and takes just 15-20 minutes to prepare, with straightforward mixing technique that doesn't require complicated techniques.
• Versatile Celebration Treat
• Suitable for casual family gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or weekend dessert indulgence, this cake transitions effortlessly between casual and special occasions.

What You’ll Need to Bake This Sweet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure for the cake's tender crumb and soft texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to complement the banana flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth base with creamy texture and enhances flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist, tender cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic baking flavor to the cake.

• Ripe Bananas: Deliver natural sweetness, moisture, and signature banana flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, helps tenderize the cake, and contributes to soft texture.
• Pecans: Introduce nutty crunch and complementary flavor to the banana cake.

Instructions for a Caramel-Laced Banana Pecan Dessert

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pan

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Step 3: Cream Sugars And Butter

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix completely.

Step 5: Blend Bananas

Fold mashed bananas into the sugar mixture until evenly combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients, mixing gently to maintain a smooth batter.

Step 7: Add Nutty Crunch

Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the cake batter, distributing evenly.

Step 8: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before adding caramel drizzle or frosting.

Baking Tips to Nail Texture and Richness

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Select overripe, soft bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your cake.
• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Sinking Nuts: Toss chopped pecans in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Moisture-Boosting Technique: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center- it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the most tender, soft texture.
• Storage Secret: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving to maintain optimal moisture and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Moisture

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it moist and delicious.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors and softness.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a sweet treat is always ready.

Heavenly Banana Pecan Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky banana pecan caramel cake promises a delectable journey through rich, comforting flavors that dance on palates. Creamy layers and golden caramel drizzle invite you to savor each indulgent bite of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

Nuts and Additional Mix-ins:

• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel or two 9-inch circular pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient mixture by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl until completely integrated.
3. Transform butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a light, airy consistency by creaming them together using an electric mixer until the texture becomes soft and voluminous.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar-butter blend, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Gently fold mashed bananas into the mixture, creating a smooth and cohesive base with consistent banana distribution.
6. Construct the cake batter by alternating between dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk, beginning and concluding with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
7. Delicately fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, ensuring even dispersion for balanced nutty flavor and texture in every slice.

Notes

• Customize the cake’s texture by adjusting banana ripeness, with overripe bananas providing deeper sweetness and more moisture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans before adding them to the batter, which releases their natural oils and creates a richer, nuttier profile.
• Maintain cake’s moistness by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop excess gluten and result in a tougher crumb.
• Transform the recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring careful measurement and mixing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg