Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Caramel Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar, packed
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
Pecans, toasted (whole or chopped)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round cake pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add the mashed bananas and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Frosting
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Let the caramel mixture cool slightly, then gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top.
Add the second layer and repeat with more frosting. Place the third layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake and garnish with additional toasted pecans.
Slice and serve!