Banana Pecan Cake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 - 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
03 - 1 1/2 tsp baking soda.
04 - 3/4 tsp baking powder.
05 - 1/2 tsp salt.
06 - 3 eggs.
07 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil.
08 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
09 - 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract.
10 - 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (very ripe).
11 - Chopped pecans (to taste).
12 - 1 1/4 cups sugar (for caramel sauce).
13 - 1/4 cup water.
14 - 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream.
15 - 1 tbsp butter (vegan or regular).
16 - 2 cups granulated sugar (for buttercream).
17 - 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened.
18 - 2 tsp vanilla extract.
19 - 3-4 tbsp caramel sauce.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Line three 6-inch or two 8-inch pans with parchment paper and spray sides with non-stick spray.
03 - Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt onto parchment paper.
04 - In a stand mixer, blend eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add mashed bananas and mix well.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Fold in chopped pecans to taste.
06 - Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cakes in their pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
08 - To make caramel sauce, heat sugar and water over medium heat until golden. Whisk in coconut milk and butter until smooth and combined.
09 - For buttercream, heat egg whites and sugar over boiling water, whisking constantly until the mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and whip to stiff peaks. Gradually beat in softened butter until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and caramel sauce, mixing until smooth.
10 - Trim the tops of the cakes to level them. Stack the cake layers with a layer of buttercream and caramel sauce between each.
11 - Chill the cake, then drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top.

Notes:

01 - Luxurious cake with bananas, caramel, and pecans, perfect for celebrations.