Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Extravaganza

Name: Banana Pecan Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon.; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda.; 3/4 tsp baking powder.; 1/2 tsp salt.; 3 eggs.; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil.; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.; 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract.; 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (very ripe).; Chopped pecans (to taste).; 1 1/4 cups sugar (for caramel sauce).; 1/4 cup water.; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream.; 1 tbsp butter (vegan or regular).; 2 cups granulated sugar (for buttercream).; 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened.; 2 tsp vanilla extract.; 3-4 tbsp caramel sauce.

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

The Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Extravaganza is the perfect dessert for any special occasion. Moist banana cake layers are stacked with a vegan caramel sauce and smooth Swiss meringue buttercream, offering a wonderful balance of sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures. The addition of chopped pecans brings a delightful crunch, while the rich caramel drizzle on top adds a show-stopping finish. This cake is not only decadent but also adaptable for vegan diets, using coconut milk and vegan butter for the caramel. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or holiday, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser!

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:55:37 GMT

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Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Extravaganza

The Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Extravaganza is a true celebration cake, offering layers of moist banana cake, crunchy pecans, and a rich caramel sauce. Each bite of this cake is filled with the flavors of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and the deep sweetness of caramel. It's a show-stopper for any party or holiday gathering, and the use of a vegan-friendly caramel sauce makes it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. If you love the combination of sweet and nutty, this cake is for you.

INGREDIENTS

All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups, sifted for a light texture.
Cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp, adds warmth to the cake.
Baking Soda: 1 1/2 tsp, helps the cake rise.
Baking Powder: 3/4 tsp, gives additional lift.
Salt: 1/2 tsp, balances sweetness.
Eggs: 3, provide structure to the cake.
Vegetable Oil: 1 1/2 cups, for moistness.
Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, adds sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 tsp, enhances flavor.
Mashed Bananas: 1 1/2 cups, very ripe for natural sweetness.
Pecans: Chopped, for added crunch.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
Step 2:: Sift the dry ingredients together.
Step 3:: Blend the wet ingredients, then add the dry mix and fold in the pecans.
Step 4:: Divide the batter into the pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5:: Cool the cakes completely before layering with buttercream and caramel.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Helpful Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
You can make the caramel sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before using.

FAQs

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter for the buttercream.

How can I make the cake more moist?

Ensure your bananas are very ripe, and you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Conclusion

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Extravaganza is a dessert masterpiece, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich caramel sauce and the crunch of pecans. This cake is perfect for celebrations or any event where you want to impress guests with a decadent and flavorful treat. With its vegan-friendly caramel and soft, fluffy cake layers, it satisfies everyone at the table. The caramel sauce adds an indulgent sweetness, while the Swiss meringue buttercream gives a smooth and creamy finish. The crunch of pecans ties everything together, making each bite a rich and rewarding experience.

Banana Pecan Cake

A luxurious banana cake layered with pecans, caramel, and buttercream, perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

75 Minutes

By: Clare Greco

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 8 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

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

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Line three 6-inch or two 8-inch pans with parchment paper and spray sides with non-stick spray.

Step 03

Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt onto parchment paper.

Step 04

In a stand mixer, blend eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add mashed bananas and mix well.

Step 05

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Fold in chopped pecans to taste.

Step 06

Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool cakes in their pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 08

To make caramel sauce, heat sugar and water over medium heat until golden. Whisk in coconut milk and butter until smooth and combined.

Step 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.

Step 10

Trim the tops of the cakes to level them. Stack the cake layers with a layer of buttercream and caramel sauce between each.

Step 11

Chill the cake, then drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top.