Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake

Name: Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 cup pecans, chopped; Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Satisfy your sweet cravings with this delicious Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake. Moist layers of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts come together, topped with a rich caramel glaze and crunchy pecans. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert at home, this cake is an irresistible treat sure to impress friends and family alike.

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2025-12-02T12:12:25.528Z

This Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake is a celebration of flavors and textures. Each bite offers moist banana, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet caramel glaze, making it a dessert that is sure to satisfy.

A Perfect Combination of Flavors

The Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the crunchy walnuts add a satisfying texture. This combination not only pleases the palate but also infuses the cake with a rich, hearty flavor that makes it memorable.

Topping it off with a luscious caramel glaze elevates the entire experience. The buttery caramel drips into the layers, enhancing the flavor profile and adding an indulgent touch. Each bite delivers a perfect balance, making it a comforting yet sophisticated dessert suitable for any occasion.

Baking Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your bananas are extremely ripe – the browner, the better! Overripe bananas have the perfect sweetness and moisture, resulting in a cake that is both tender and flavorful. Don’t rush the creaming process of the butter and sugars; this step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.

Always measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, to avoid a dense cake. Use the spoon and level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precision. Lastly, allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze to maintain its integrity while serving.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

This delightful cake is ideal for celebrations, from birthdays to family gatherings, providing a hit of nostalgia with each slice. Its moist and rich characteristics make it a perfect pairing with afternoon tea or coffee, making it suitable as an everyday dessert as well.

Consider serving it at holiday parties or potlucks, where its unique flavor combination will surely impress your guests. Topped with whipped cream, it can also transform into an elegant dessert for special events, enhancing any dining experience with its warm, inviting charm.

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Caramel Glaze

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Topping

1 cup pecans, chopped
Whipped cream (optional)

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, blending until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Make the Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously.

Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled cake.

Assemble and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the caramel glaze evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the glaze.

Slice and serve your Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake. Enjoy!

For an extra touch, serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream!

Storage Recommendations

To keep your Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let the cake return to room temperature before serving for an optimal taste.

If you find yourself with leftovers, consider freezing the cake for longer preservation. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can enjoy a slice of this delightful cake up to three months later – a perfect treat for a unexpected sweet craving!

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the flavors of the Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light and airy texture contrasts beautifully with the dense cake, adding a creamy element that enhances the overall experience.

For a more indulgent option, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, with the cold creaminess melting alongside the warm caramel glaze. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the dessert, introducing additional layers of flavor that will delight your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.

→ How do I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.