Name: Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas; 1 ½ cups brown sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 large eggs; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel); 1 cup powdered sugar (for buttercream); 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel); ½ cup unsalted butter (for caramel); Pinch of salt (for balance)

Rich, nutty, and lavishly indulgent, this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake is the kind of dessert that turns any day into a celebration. Imagine tender banana cake layers infused with brown sugar warmth, studded with toasted pecans, and stacked high with silky caramel buttercream. It’s the flavor of comfort and nostalgia with a decadent twist.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple weekend bake that feels extra special, this cake has all the elements of a showstopper. The caramel drizzled on top and between layers adds just the right amount of sticky sweetness, while the bananas and pecans balance everything with natural richness and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

If you love banana bread, you’ll go crazy for this elevated take. The bananas keep the crumb ultra-moist, while pecans add a toasty contrast that works so well with the sweet and salty notes from the caramel. It’s comforting but refined, and that thick buttercream frosting? Just heavenly.

Plus, it’s a recipe that looks bakery-ready but is totally achievable in your own kitchen. Whether you bake often or this is your first big cake, the steps are straightforward and rewarding.

Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Cake?

Absolutely, and you should. Overripe bananas are key to developing the deep banana flavor that makes this cake so memorable. The more speckled and soft your bananas, the better they’ll melt into the batter and bring out the sweetness and moisture. Just make sure they’re not fermented—dark spots are good, black and oozing is not.

Ingredients for the Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

What makes this cake unforgettable is the balance of flavors, and that starts with the ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the cake’s signature texture and taste.

All-purpose flour – gives the structure we need to keep those layers beautifully stacked.
Ripe bananas – packed with flavor and moisture, they are the heart of this cake.
Brown sugar – brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that pairs so well with the bananas.
Unsalted butter – adds a deep, buttery base to both the cake and frosting.
Eggs – bind everything together and help with that tender crumb.
Baking soda & baking powder – lift the cake and make it light and fluffy.
Vanilla extract – a background note that enhances all the other flavors.
Chopped pecans – toasty, buttery crunch in every bite.
Heavy cream – for the smoothest caramel and creamiest frosting.
Powdered sugar – helps create the dreamy, spreadable buttercream.
Salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

How To Make the Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter three 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal. Mash your ripe bananas and chop your pecans so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the pecans.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cakes are baking, heat butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until bubbling. Slowly add cream and stir until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Step 5: Whip Up the Caramel Buttercream

Beat softened butter until pale and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the cooled caramel and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until the frosting is thick and luscious.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel buttercream and drizzle with a spoonful of caramel sauce. Repeat with the next two layers. Frost the outside and top of the cake, then finish with more pecans and a final caramel drizzle.

How to Serve and Store This Cake

This Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake easily serves 10 to 12 generous slices, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday feasts. Serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature so the caramel stays soft and the buttercream holds its shape.

To store, keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to prep it in advance, you can bake the layers and freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.

What to Serve With Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake?

A Hot Cup of Coffee

The bitterness of a strong coffee cuts through the cake’s sweetness in the best way.

Whipped Cream on the Side

For an extra light touch, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream balances the richness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

It adds creamy contrast and makes every bite more indulgent.

Chai Tea Latte

The spices in a chai latte pair beautifully with the warm caramel and banana flavors.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or blackberries add a tart brightness that keeps the palate refreshed.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Add even more decadence with an extra drizzle just before serving.

Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle some on top for a tropical twist.

Bourbon Glaze

For a grown-up variation, try a light bourbon glaze over the top.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake has you craving more sweet bakes, don’t miss these comforting crowd-pleasers from Mia Plates:

Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler for gooey, golden fruit-filled goodness.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re into dreamy, spiced indulgence in a tiny package.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake which turns the same flavor profile into a dense, melt-in-your-mouth loaf.
Ooey Gooey Bars for a fast fix of chewy caramel layers.
Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For when you’re craving bright and zesty.