Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake

Enjoy this decadent layer cake, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat!

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
5. Combine Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, layer them with caramel sauce between each layer. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with more chopped pecans.

Additional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 530 per serving
• Servings: 8