Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake – A Decadent Dessert with Southern Charm

This Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is pure comfort and indulgence in every slice. Moist layers of banana cake are filled with nutty toasted pecans and blanketed in a smooth caramel glaze that drips down the sides in golden perfection. It’s a show-stopping dessert that combines the sweet warmth of ripe bananas with the buttery crunch of pecans and the rich, velvety sweetness of caramel. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday gatherings, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Flavorful: Ripe bananas keep the cake tender and sweet.
Southern-Inspired: Pecan crunch and caramel glaze add old-fashioned charm.
Elegant but Easy: Simple ingredients, stunning results.
Perfect for Celebrations: A beautiful centerpiece dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)

For the Caramel Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Fold in toasted pecans.

3. Bake
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

4. Prepare the Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Boil for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

5. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with a thin layer of caramel frosting, and top with the second layer. Pour remaining frosting over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with extra chopped pecans for garnish if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Overripe Bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and moister the cake.
• Toast the Pecans: It deepens their flavor and adds crunch.
• Don’t Overmix: Keeps the cake light and tender.
• Warm the Frosting Slightly: Makes it easier to pour for that classic drip effect.

Why This Recipe Works

The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of pecans and the buttery richness of homemade caramel. The combination of soft, moist cake layers and smooth glaze makes this dessert unforgettable—balanced, elegant, and comforting all at once.

Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is a true celebration of flavor and texture. Each bite delivers moist banana cake, toasted pecans, and silky caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect blend of homestyle comfort and show-stopping presentation—ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to make dessert feel extra special.