Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)

For Assembly and Decoration:

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Banana slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and spread it out smoothly.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
3. Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract (the mixture will bubble up).
4. Stir until smooth and well combined. Let it cool slightly before using.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Drizzle with some caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting, caramel sauce, and pecans.
4. Top with the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

5. Decorate the Cake:

1. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
2. Garnish with additional toasted pecans and banana slices, if desired.

6. Serve:

1. Slice and serve this luscious Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake. Enjoy the delightful blend of banana, caramel, and pecans in every bite!