There’s something magical about a banana pecan caramel layer cake—the combination of moist banana cake, crunchy pecan nuts, and buttery caramel sauce makes it downright irresistible. This layered beauty has everything you want in a homemade dessert: a soft, rich crumb, candied pecans, and a drizzle of warm caramel to bring it all together.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a special celebration, or just because you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter (we’ve all been there! ), this cake is bound to be a hit.
If you love butter pecan desserts, rich maple caramel, or classic banana cake, then grab your whisk and let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
- Super Moist and Tender: Thanks to sour cream, mashed bananas, and brown sugar.
- Crunchy & Buttery Pecans: Toasted pecans add a perfect nutty bite.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: Made with brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just simple baking steps that anyone can follow.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weekend treat, this cake is always a showstopper.
Looking for other dessert ideas? Check out this Christmas Pudding Recipe for a fun holiday twist!
Ingredients for the Best Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pecan nuts, chopped
Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp maple syrup
Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
1. Make the Caramel Sauce
- Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add heavy cream and maple syrup, then cook until thick.
- Let cool before using.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Slowly add dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Fold in chopped pecans for extra crunch.
3. Make the Crumb Topping
Stir in chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
Combine brown sugar, flour, and cold butter, using fingers to create crumbs.
4. Assemble the Cake Layers
Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over each layer before baking.
Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Pour batter evenly into both pans, then sprinkle crumb topping on top.
5. Bake the Cake
Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Use the toothpick test to check doneness—it should come out clean!
Layering & Decorating Your Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top, then stack the second layer.
- Pour extra warm caramel over the top and sprinkle with candied pecans.
- Optional: Add a layer of sour cream frosting for extra richness.
Looking for a fun dessert? Try these Mini Cake Ideas for individual servings!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
How to Keep the Cake Moist
- Use sour cream or yogurt for richness.
- Don’t overmix the batter—it makes the cake dense.
- Store the cake properly to prevent drying out.
Caramel Sauce Tips
- Avoid stirring sugar and butter too much to prevent crystallization.
- Add cream slowly to get a silky texture.
- Drizzle caramel while warm so it soaks into the layers.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Need a cozy dessert to go with this cake? Check out Arroz con Leche for a warm, creamy treat.
Serving Ideas & Flavor Variations
Best Ways to Serve This Cake:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
- With a latte or black coffee
- As a layered trifle with whipped cream
Fun Recipe Twists:
- Upside-Down Version: Swap the layers for a banana pecan upside-down cake style.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in ramekins for cute individual portions.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap pecans for chocolate chips or leave them out.
FAQs About Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Absolutely! Just increase baking time to 45-50 minutes.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake Recipe Card
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This banana pecan caramel layer cake is moist, buttery, and loaded with rich caramel sauce and toasted pecans. Made with mashed bananas, brown sugar, and sour cream, this cake stays soft and flavorful for days. Topped with a crumbly pecan streusel and homemade caramel drizzle, it’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pecan nuts, chopped
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp maple syrup
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1 Make the Caramel Sauce:
- Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and maple syrup until thick and glossy.
2 Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Slowly add dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Fold in chopped pecans for crunch.
3 Make the Crumb Topping:
- Mix brown sugar, flour, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
4 Assemble and Bake:
- Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Pour batter evenly into both pans and sprinkle crumb topping on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness.
- Let cool before layering and drizzling with warm caramel sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast pecans before adding them.
- To make it nut-free, replace pecans with chocolate chips.
- Store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: banana pecan caramel layer cake, butter pecan banana cake, caramelized banana pecan cake, moist banana cake, caramel cake recipe, pecan cake with caramel drizzle, layered banana cake
More Desserts You’ll Love
- Caribbean Festival Rum Cake – A boozy, spiced classic.
- Lemon Blueberry Cookies – A zesty, fruity delight.
- Apple Cinnamon Brioche Rolls – Buttery, flaky, and perfect for fall.
Final Thoughts – Get Baking!
This banana pecan caramel layer cake is pure comfort in every bite.
The moist banana cake, toasted pecans, and buttery caramel sauce make it a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.
So, grab your mixing bowl, bake a batch, and let me know how it turns out