If you have a soft spot for rich, moist desserts that bring a comforting sweetness to the table, this Banana Caramel Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines the natural creaminess of ripe bananas with the luscious warmth of caramel sauce, creating a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just treating yourself to a slice of pure joy, this cake hits all the right notes with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create a cake bursting with flavor and fantastic texture. Each one plays a vital role: from the tender crumb provided by the all-purpose flour to the depth of flavor added by ripe bananas and the rich caramel that ties everything together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise, keeping it light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to enhance tenderness and softness.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, enriching the texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the cake with a buttery richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide stability.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the banana and caramel notes with subtle warmth.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The star ingredient that makes this cake irresistibly gooey and decadent.
How to Make Banana Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature right from the start. Grease and lightly flour a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking, setting the stage for an evenly baked and easy-to-serve creation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to a perfectly risen cake with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture carries the heart and soul of the Banana Caramel Cake Recipe, bringing moistness, rich flavor, and binding power all at once.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so aiming for a gentle fold preserves that soft texture. The batter should be thick and luscious, promising a cake that’s rich but light.
Step 5: Layering the Batter and Caramel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over it. Add the remaining batter, followed by the rest of the caramel. This layering imbues the cake with pockets of gooey caramel, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The aromas filling your kitchen during this time are a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake cool completely in the pan to let the flavors set and the caramel to thicken. This patience pays off with slices that hold together beautifully and deliver a perfect balance of banana and caramel without being too runny.
How to Serve Banana Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Banana Caramel Cake with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for an irresistible crunch that contrasts with the cake’s softness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this dessert to decadent new heights.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or a warm herbal tea to cut through the sweetness while complementing the caramel notes. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for brightness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices drizzled with extra caramel or layered with banana slices on top for a charming presentation. For a fuss-free party treat, cut the cooled cake into squares and serve with decorative picks—perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Banana Caramel Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about two days or refrigerated for up to five days, retaining its moistness and flavor beautifully.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy with hardly any lost quality.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and make the caramel wonderfully gooey again. This makes leftovers taste just as delightful as the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the caramel beautifully, making the cake even richer.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?
You can make a quick caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and cream or substitute with dulce de leche for a similar sweet and creamy effect.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the best results.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel are perfect—they’re sweeter and softer, which enhances both flavor and moisture.
Is this cake suitable for freezing and gifting?
It definitely is! Wrapped well, the cake freezes nicely and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that will impress any recipient.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Caramel Cake Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, sweet hug through dessert. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort and indulgence. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover how delightfully easy it is to bake a cake that tastes like a dream!
Print
Banana Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Banana Caramel Cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, gooey caramel sauce, creating a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. The cake is tender and soft with a delightful swirl of caramel on top and inside, offering a perfect balance of fruity and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed ripe bananas, melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
- Layer Batter and Caramel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving to let the flavors set and caramel to slightly firm up.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and soft.
- Allow the cake to cool fully for easier slicing and better flavor.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
