Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. This delightful cake is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat to enjoy any day.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup caramel sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Once the cakes are cooled, layer them with caramel sauce between the layers and drizzle additional caramel on top for garnish.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
• Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate banana twist.
• Frosting: Instead of caramel sauce, frost with cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
• Other Fruits: Mix in or substitute other fruits like chopped apples or walnuts for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature, or warm it slightly in the microwave for a cozy treat.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before mashing.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
3. How do I know when the cakes are done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cakes are finished baking.
4. Can I use other nuts?
   Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans.
5. What can I serve with the cake?
   It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel sauce.
6. How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
   Use fresh, ripe bananas and mash them right before mixing them into the batter.
7. Can I add a cream cheese layer?
   Yes, you can add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for extra richness.
8. What if I don’t have 9-inch pans?
   You can use 8-inch pans; just adjust the baking time as needed.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake or additional layers.
10. Is this cake suitable for special diets?
    It can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend.

Conclusion

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that highlights the delightful combination of bananas, pecans, and caramel. This cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations or a sweet finish to any meal. Enjoy every slice of this decadent treat!

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