Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Swirl
- In a small saucepan, melt butter , brown sugar , and heavy cream over medium heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes , stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour , sugar , baking soda , and salt .
- In another bowl, mix eggs , melted butter , milk , mashed banana , and vanilla extract .
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined (a few lumps are okay!).
- Fold in toasted pecans gently.
Step 4: Swirl the Caramel
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle the caramel swirl mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the caramel.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter (don’t overmix!).
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35–40 minutes , until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze
- In a saucepan, melt butter , brown sugar , and heavy cream over medium heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes , stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract . Let cool slightly until thick enough to drizzle.
Step 7: Assemble & Serve
- Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the caramel glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle with extra toasted pecans and a pinch of sea salt (optional).
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ripe Bananas : Use bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Toasted Pecans : Toss pecans with 1 tsp melted butter and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Swirl Carefully : Use a knife to make gentle swirls—overmixing will create a messy texture.
- Glaze Consistency : If too thick, warm it briefly in the microwave or add a splash of cream.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy Kick : Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Cheesy Twist : Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a savory-sweet blend.
- Coffee Lover’s : Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter.
- Fruit Boost : Fold in diced apples or dried cranberries with the pecans.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories : ~450
- Fat : 25g
- Carbs : 50g
- Protein : 6g
Why It’s a Winner
This Caramel Banana Pecan Cake is a cozy, indulgent dessert that’s reminiscent of banana bread meets caramel cake. The caramel swirl adds bursts of sweetness, while the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any occasion!
Pro Secrets
- Double the Glaze : Keep extra sauce for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes.
- Make Ahead : Freeze the unglazed cake for up to 1 month—thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Banana Hack : Add 1 tsp lemon juice to the batter to prevent browning.
Final Touches
- Garnish : Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve with : Vanilla ice cream or a latte for a café-style treat.
Your New Favorite Comfort Food! This cake is a flavor explosion of caramel, banana, and pecans—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests.
Let us know if you try it—tag us in your photos! 🍌🌰✨
Enjoy! 🍰