This banana caramel cake is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, a luscious caramel filling, and the delightful crunch of walnuts, each bite of this cake brings together a perfect harmony of ingredients. The moist cake layers are enhanced by the subtle notes of vanilla, while the caramel adds richness and depth. Topped with caramelized banana slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this dessert is truly a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of bananas, caramel, and walnuts. The soft, tender crumb of the cake contrasts beautifully with the rich caramel and the crunch of walnuts, making each bite an indulgent treat. The sweet bananas caramelize during baking, enhancing their flavor, while the walnuts add a satisfying texture. This cake is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers, offering a recipe that’s easy to follow but results in a dessert that feels special and luxurious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This banana caramel cake is perfect for a wide range of occasions, from casual afternoon snacks to more formal celebrations. It’s a fantastic option for birthday parties, family gatherings, or weekend treats. You can even elevate it to a centerpiece dessert for holidays by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with extra caramel sauce. It’s also a great cake to make when you want to impress guests with something delicious but not overly complicated.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing the cake with thin banana slices, drizzled caramel, and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts. You can also lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a more refined look. If you want to prevent the banana topping from browning, brush the slices with a little lemon juice before placing them on the cake. For a more indulgent finish, serve with a side of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
Cake Batter:
- 145g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 100g brown sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 185g all-purpose flour
- 3g baking powder
- 100g walnuts, finely chopped
Filling:
- 100g caramel spread
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- A handful of chopped walnuts
Topping:
- Banana slices for garnish
- Additional caramel and walnuts for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the cake batter:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and allow it to cool. Meanwhile, chop the walnuts finely but leave some texture for crunch.
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift the flour and baking powder over the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts. - Assemble the cake:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a cake tin and line it with parchment paper.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly.
Spread a layer of caramel over the batter, followed by banana slices and a sprinkle of roughly chopped walnuts.
Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling, smoothing the top with a spatula. For added flair, place long slices of banana on top as a decorative topping. - Bake the cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. Test the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the cake with foil to prevent over-browning. - Cool and decorate:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. After it has cooled, drizzle thin lines of caramel over the top and garnish with chopped walnuts.
For an extra indulgent experience, serve the cake with a side of warm caramel sauce and additional walnuts.
Enjoy this decadent banana caramel cake, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will satisfy every sweet craving!
