Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake

Name: Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1 cup pecans, chopped

Savor the delightful layers of flavor in this Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake. Moist banana cake is paired with crunchy walnuts and topped with a luscious caramel pecan frosting, creating a decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Each bite offers a wonderful combination of sweetness and richness, making it an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-10T08:28:09.870Z

This Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, elevated by a rich caramel pecan frosting.

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake stands out as the perfect dessert choice. Its decadent layers provide a delightful balance of flavor and texture that appeals to both young and old. The combination of moist banana cake with crunchy walnuts offers a comforting yet sophisticated taste that is sure to impress your guests.

This cake also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings or dessert after dinner. The rich, buttery frosting and caramel drizzle elevate it further, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks stunning on any dessert table.

Key Ingredients that Make a Difference

The use of ripe bananas in this recipe is crucial; they add natural sweetness and moisture, which are the hallmarks of a perfectly baked cake. Opt for bananas that are speckled with brown spots, as these are the sweetest and will impart the best flavor to your cake. Paired with crunchy walnuts, these ingredients work together to create a rich texture that enhances the overall enjoyment of the dessert.

Additionally, the caramel sauce in the frosting infuses a luxurious essence, making it stand out from ordinary buttercream. Using high-quality pecans not only adds a delightful crunch but also contributes to the cake’s tasteful complexity. It's these thoughtful selections that truly set this cake apart, delivering gourmet results from the comfort of your home.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Banana Walnut Caramel Pecan Cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This simple step helps create a more homogenous batter, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake. Additionally, measure your flour properly to avoid a dense cake—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.

When baking your cake layers, keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time. Every oven varies slightly, and to avoid overbaking, start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting them to ensure that the frosting stays firm and doesn’t melt.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup pecans, chopped

Note: You can adjust the quantity of walnuts and pecans based on your preference.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the caramel sauce and chopped pecans, and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Optionally, drizzle more caramel sauce on top and garnish with additional chopped pecans.

Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious this cake is), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This cake keeps surprisingly well, and the flavors may even deepen as they blend together over time.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake, but that might change the texture of the frosting. If you decide to refrigerate, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Alternatively, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, ensuring freshness when you're ready for another indulgent treat.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter or frosting. This addition will enhance the cake’s flavor profile and add a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

Another variation is to incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey surprise. The combination of banana, walnut, and chocolate creates a rich experience that dessert lovers will adore. You could also substitute the walnuts with pecans or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added layer of warmth and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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