Description
This indulgent cake features tender banana layers laced with toasted pecans, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a smooth caramel glaze. Topped with banana slices and pecan halves, the Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, combining rich textures and warm flavors.
Ingredients
For the Banana Pecan Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Sliced fresh bananas
- Whole or halved toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.
- Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in toasted pecans. Divide batter between pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a rack.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Mix until fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with filling. Top with second layer.
- For glaze, heat sugar and water until amber. Remove from heat, add butter and cream, then salt. Let cool slightly.
- Pour caramel over cake. Garnish with banana slices and pecans.