Dessert lovers, rejoice! If you’re in search of a show-stopping cake that promises to dazzle your taste buds and earn you rave reviews from friends and family, look no further. The Heavenly Banana Caramel Dream Cake is a masterpiece of sweet indulgence, marrying the comforting flavors of banana cake with the rich, gooey goodness of caramel. Each bite takes you on a delicious journey through layers of moist banana cake, creamy caramel filling, and smooth cream cheese frosting, all topped off with a decadent caramel drizzle and crunchy pecans. Ready to bring this dreamy dessert to life? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Whole pecans for garnish
Directions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake layers come out flawlessly.
- Banana Cake Layers: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- Caramel Filling: While the cakes are baking, prepare the caramel filling. Combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for one minute. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until you have a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Assembly: To assemble the cake, place one layer on a plate and spread with one-third of the cream cheese frosting, followed by a layer of the caramel filling. Repeat with the remaining layers. Once assembled, frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake and garnish with whole pecans for that extra special touch.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Creating this Heavenly Banana Caramel Dream Cake is a labor of love that pays off in every delightful bite. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat to brighten up your day, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Heavenly Banana Caramel Dream Cake
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Drizzle:
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Whole pecans for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then bananas, sour cream, and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Divide batter among pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For filling, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat; add vanilla and salt. Cool to room temperature.
For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
To assemble, place one cake layer on a plate, spread with one-third of the frosting, then caramel filling. Repeat with remaining layers.
Frost outside of the cake. Drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with pecans.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours