Moist Banana Cake with Caramel
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Whipped cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Banana Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan or two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the mashed bananas until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan(s) on a wire rack.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. The sugar will clump and then melt into an amber-colored liquid.
- Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until the butter is melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously (be cautious of splattering). Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before using.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Spread with a spatula if needed.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel and add dollops of whipped cream for garnish.
4. Serve:
Slice and serve with extra caramel sauce on the side for a truly indulgent treat!
Enjoy this rich and moist banana cake with its irresistible caramel topping!