Introduction
Banana bread is a beloved classic, but what about elevating that recipe into something even more indulgent? Enter Banana Caramel Cake – a moist, flavorful banana cake paired with a rich, gooey caramel glaze. The sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with the smooth, buttery caramel, creates the perfect balance of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
This Banana Caramel Cake can be made as a simple, yet elegant dessert or served as the centerpiece of a celebration. It’s versatile enough to be customized to fit dietary preferences, including a keto version for those on a low-carb or sugar-free diet. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress anyone who gets a slice.
Ingredients
Let’s get started by gathering the ingredients for both the traditional and keto versions of this cake. You’ll find all the ingredients needed to make this rich and satisfying treat below.
For the Traditional Banana Caramel Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of sour cream or buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon of milk (if needed)
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1 cup of brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Keto Banana Caramel Cake (Low-Carb Version):
- 1 ½ cups of almond flour
- ½ cup of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
For the Keto Caramel Glaze:
- ½ cup of brown erythritol
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Banana Caramel Cake
Follow these simple instructions to make your delicious Banana Caramel Cake, whether you choose the traditional or keto version.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch rectangular pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or almond flour for keto), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream or buttermilk (or almond milk for keto). Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined. If the batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar (or brown erythritol for keto) over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth, add the heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for keto) and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the caramel has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the glaze cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cooled cake.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once the cake has cooled, pour the caramel glaze over the top. You can either drizzle the caramel over the cake or spread it evenly with a spatula. Slice the cake and enjoy!
Cooking Notes & Tips
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas add more sweetness and flavor to the cake.
- Butter vs. Oil: Butter provides a richer flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil if you prefer. If using oil, reduce the amount slightly (use about ¼ cup less).
- Caramel Glaze: If you want a thicker caramel glaze, let it simmer for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to avoid melting the cake.
- Banana Flavor: If you want an extra boost of banana flavor, add banana extract or flavoring to the cake batter.
- Storage: This cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations
While this Banana Caramel Cake recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your tastes.
1. Banana Nut Caramel Cake
Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for a crunchy twist. The nuts add texture and a savory note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the banana and caramel.
2. Chocolate Drizzle Version
Top the cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate ganache in addition to the caramel glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Vegan Version
For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg replacements and use dairy-free butter and almond milk. The cake will still be moist and delicious!
4. Banana Caramel Cupcakes
Instead of making a large cake, bake the batter into cupcakes for individual servings. Bake for about 18-20 minutes and top each with a generous amount of caramel glaze.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions of Banana Caramel Cake
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this Banana Caramel Cake can still be enjoyed without compromising your dietary preferences.
Keto Banana Caramel Cake
This low-carb version uses almond flour instead of regular flour and erythritol in place of sugar. The result is a moist and tender cake with a rich caramel glaze that’s keto-friendly. The sweetness comes from ripe bananas and the caramel glaze, making it a perfect option for those on a sugar-free diet.
Low-Carb Banana Caramel Cake
If you’re not on a strict keto diet but are still watching your carb intake, this low-carb version made with almond flour and coconut flour is a great option. You can use monk fruit sweetener for an even lower-carb alternative to sugar.
Conclusion
Banana Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the sweet flavors of ripe bananas with the rich indulgence of caramel. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or opt for a keto or low-carb version, this cake is sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. With its moist texture, caramel glaze, and versatility, Banana Caramel Cake will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the sweet flavors of this irresistible cake!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Just add the caramel glaze before serving.
3. Can I use a different glaze for this cake?
Of course! You can use a cream cheese frosting or a simple sugar glaze if you prefer.
4. How do I make the caramel glaze thicker?
To make the glaze thicker, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little bit more cream or milk.
5. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This Banana Caramel Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. The soft, moist banana cake topped with a smooth caramel glaze will surely be a hit. Enjoy!