Transform your dessert table into a blissful paradise with this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake! Bursting with moist banana goodness, crunchy pecans, and an irresistible caramel frosting, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Let’s bake something extraordinary!
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a fluffy cake.
4. One by one, add the eggs to the mixture, beating well after each addition. Next, mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed ripe bananas until they are fully combined.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to add that delightful crunch through the cake.
6. Evenly divide the cake batter among the three prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth out the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the caramel frosting, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once it’s boiling, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
9. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a splash more of the heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
10. To assemble your masterpiece, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Generously spread caramel frosting over the top. Repeat this with the second and third layers, finishing off by frosting the sides of the cake.
11. Garnish the top with chopped pecans and allow the frosting to set before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information: Approximately 600 kcal per serving, serving size is 1 slice, total servings are about 12.
Time: Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes