The Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is an irresistible dessert.

The rich, moist, and nutty flavours of a Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake are unmatched in decadent desserts. This cake is a genuinely remarkable delicacy that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the opulent flavour of handmade caramel sauce.

This cake is sure to please, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or you’re just in the mood for something sweet. This blog will discuss:
Why caramel, pecans, and bananas go together like clockwork
✔️ Expert advice for a banana cake that is just moist
✔️ A detailed recipe for this delectable layered cake
Changes and suggestions for serving

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake – Recipe Card

Cake Ingredients:

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

Caramel Frosting Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans.
2️⃣ Mash bananas and mix with vanilla extract.
3️⃣ Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4️⃣ Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
6️⃣ Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
7️⃣ Fold in mashed bananas and pecans.
8️⃣ Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
9️⃣ Let cakes cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1️⃣ Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown.
2️⃣ Stir in butter until melted and combined.
3️⃣ Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring.
4️⃣ Let cool before using.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1️⃣ Beat butter until creamy.
2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
3️⃣ Mix in vanilla extract and caramel sauce until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1️⃣ Place the first cake layer on a plate.
2️⃣ Spread caramel frosting over the top.
3️⃣ Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle pecans.
4️⃣ Repeat with remaining layers.
5️⃣ Frost the cake and drizzle caramel over the top.

The Amazing Combination of Banana, Pecan, and Caramel

There’s a reason why the banana, pecan, and caramel combo is so timeless:
Bananas are naturally sweet and help to keep the cake moist.
✔ Pecans – Enhance texture with a buttery crunch.
✔ Caramel Sauce: It unifies everything with its rich, deep sweetness.

This cake has the perfect blend of textures—soft cake, crunchy almonds, and smooth caramel—so it’s not just about flavour.

Expert Advice for a Flavourful and Moist Banana Cake

Toast the Pecans – Enhances their natural nutty flavour. 🥈 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy. 🔥 Use Dark Brown Sugar – Adds deeper caramel notes to the cake. 👛 Use Overripe Bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter the flavour.

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe

There are three key components in this cake:
A delicious, tender banana-pecan cake
2️⃣ A thick sauce of caramel
3️⃣ A creamy, silky caramel frosting

To ensure you achieve the greatest outcomes, let’s dissect each step!

Creating the Banana Pecan Cake in Step One

✔ Turn the oven on to 350°F (175°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with flour and grease.
✔ Add vanilla extract to mashed ripe bananas.
✔ Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a different basin.
Mix brown sugar and butter until they are light and fluffy.
✔ Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing each time.
✔ Add the buttermilk and dry ingredients alternately, mixing just until blended.
✔ Stir in toasted pecans and mashed bananas.
✔ Evenly distribute the batter among the cake pans and bake for twenty-five to thirty minutes.
✔ Before assembling, let cakes cool fully.

Caramel Sauce Making Step 2

✔ Melt sugar in a saucepan until it turns golden brown.
✔ Stir in butter until smooth.
✔ Add heavy cream gradually, stirring continuously.
✔ Before using, let the caramel cool.

🥄 Pro Tip: Warm the caramel a little before using if it thickens too much.

Creating the Caramel Frosting in Step Three

✔ Add powdered sugar gradually after beating butter until creamy.
Add a couple teaspoons of caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
✔ Beat till fluffy and silky.

Step 4: Cake Assembly

✔ Transfer the initial layer of cake onto a platter.
✔ Cover the top with a thick coating of caramel icing.
✔ Add chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Continue with layers two and three.
✔ Cover the entire cake with frosting and pour the caramel sauce over it, allowing it to run down the edges.
✔ Add a final drizzle of caramel and entire pecans as garnish.

🥄 Optional: For a twist on salted caramel, sprinkle sea salt on top!

Tips for Serving and Storing

✔ For optimal flavour, serve the cake at room temperature.
✔ Keep for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator in a airtight container.
✔ Store any remaining slices in the freezer for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic wrap.

Differences & Ingenious Turns

🌰 Walnut Substitute – For a different nutty taste, use pecans instead of walnuts.
🍫 Chocolate Drizzle – For added richness, add melted chocolate.
🥜 Peanut Butter Caramel – Add chopped apples for a fruity twist, and mix peanut butter into the frosting for a nutty boost.

Concluding Reflections

The Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a visually stunning and delectable treat that is sure to turn heads. For any special occasion, or simply because you deserve a treat, this cake’s luscious caramel, crunchy pecans, and moist banana cake is ideal!

Are you familiar with this cake? Leave a comment below on your experience!

FAQ

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze them for up to 3 months. Assemble and frost the cake before serving.

2. How do I prevent my cake from becoming too dense?
To keep the cake light and fluffy:
✔ Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk).
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—just mix until combined.
✔ Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.

3. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them.

4. How do I store leftovers?
✔ Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigerator – Store for up to 5 days (bring to room temperature before serving).
✔ Freezer – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with:
✔ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
✔ ½ mashed banana
✔ 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes)