Caramel Banana Pecan Cake

## **Instructions**

### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

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### **2. Prepare the Banana Cake:**
– In a medium bowl, **mash the ripe bananas** with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
– In another bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **baking powder**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. Set aside.
– In a large mixing bowl, **cream together the butter** and **granulated sugar** using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about **3-4 minutes**.
– Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **mashed bananas** and **sour cream** (or buttermilk), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
– Gently fold in the **chopped pecans** if you’re using them.

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### **3. Bake the Cake:**
– Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
– Bake in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes** or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for **10 minutes**, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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### **4. Make the Caramel Sauce:**
– While the cake is cooling, make the **caramel sauce**. In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat.
– Stir in the **brown sugar** and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about **2-3 minutes**, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
– Slowly add the **heavy cream** while stirring, and continue to cook for another **2-3 minutes** until the sauce thickens slightly.
– Remove from heat and stir in the **vanilla extract** and **salt**. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling over the cake.

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### **5. Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate.
– Spoon or drizzle about **⅓ to ½ cup of the caramel sauce** over the top, letting it soak into the cake a bit.
– Place the second layer of cake on top and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce.
– Garnish with **additional chopped pecans** if desired, for extra texture and a beautiful presentation.

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### **6. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice the cake and serve! This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

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## **Tips for Success**

🌟 **Use Ripe Bananas**: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are perfect for baking—they’re sweeter and provide more moisture to the cake.
🌟 **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
🌟 **Caramel Sauce Tip**: If you want a thicker caramel sauce, let it simmer a little longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash more cream or milk to loosen it up.
🌟 **Make it Ahead**: This cake can be made in advance. Simply store the baked cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **2 days**, or refrigerate the caramel sauce. Assemble the cake just before serving.

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## **Why This Cake Works**

**Caramel Banana Pecan Cake** is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a combination of sweet and savory flavors. The **ripe bananas** give the cake a natural sweetness and moisture, while the **pecans** provide a crunchy contrast. The homemade **caramel sauce** elevates this cake to another level of indulgence, with its creamy, rich texture and deep, comforting flavor.

The cake is incredibly moist, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the caramel sauce makes it feel extra special. The combination of **bananas** and **pecans** is a timeless pairing, and the caramel sauce ties everything together for a truly decadent treat.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

– **Ice Cream or Whipped Cream**: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
– **Fruit Compote**: Pair with a berry compote for a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cake.
– **Coffee or Tea**: This cake is perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.

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## **Final Thoughts**

If you’re looking for a cake that brings together the best of comforting flavors with a bit of indulgence, **Caramel Banana Pecan Cake** is the perfect choice. It’s a deliciously moist cake with layers of rich banana flavor, toasted pecans, and a luxurious caramel sauce that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or savoring a slice on your own, this cake is sure to become a go-to favorite for all your sweet cravings.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly dessert—you won’t regret it! 🍌🍰🍯