Decadent Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
Omit pecans or use walnuts. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and coconut milk for heavy cream.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the caramel frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring continuously, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Beat in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If needed, thin the frosting with additional cream to reach desired consistency.
Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread caramel frosting on top. Repeat with the next two layers and cover the entire cake with frosting. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. Let frosting set before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 12
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