Name: Caramel Banana Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas); ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you crave a showstopping dessert that balances the nostalgic charm of banana cake with a lavishly smooth caramel crown, this Caramel Banana Cake is the treat you can’t resist. Each bite is a pillowy forkful of banana-rich crumbs mingled with buttery, satiny caramel frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever your sweet tooth wants a little extravagance. The robust banana flavor is elevated by the rich, gooey caramel—it’s a combination that takes a beloved classic and gives it pure celebration energy.

Caramel Banana Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Banana Cake keeps things delightfully classic with a handful of kitchen staples, each playing its own crucial part. From the tender crumb of ripe bananas to the swoon-worthy caramel glaze, every component brings its unique magic to the table.

All-purpose flour: The structural hero that ensures your cake is every bit as sturdy as it is soft.
Baking soda: Gives the cake just the right lift and contributes to a light crumb.
Baking powder: Boosts rise for a textbook-tender texture.
Salt: Brightens all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with bananas and caramel.
Unsalted butter (cake and frosting): Delivers outrageous richness and flavor in both the batter and the frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture.
Brown sugar (cake and frosting): Infuses both cake and frosting with a caramel-y complexity.
Eggs: Bind the batter and add tenderness.
Vanilla extract (cake and frosting): Rounds everything out with its fragrant depth.
Mashed ripe bananas: The star! Use bananas with lots of brown spots for best flavor and sweetness.
Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): Adds moistness and tang, yielding a super-tender crumb.
Heavy cream (frosting): Makes the caramel luscious and extra silky.
Powdered sugar (frosting): Gives the caramel frosting its fluffy, spreadable texture.

How to Make Caramel Banana Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Let’s set ourselves up for success! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour either a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or two 9-inch round cake pans—choose whichever speaks to your occasion. Prepping the pans ensures a fuss-free release for your perfectly baked cake later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a dash of cinnamon. This simple step keeps the leaveners and spices evenly scattered, promising a tender crumb in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your largest mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this can take about two to three minutes with an electric mixer. This is the first moment the Caramel Banana Cake starts to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

Beat the eggs in, adding them one at a time to keep the batter silky. Then pour in the vanilla extract, followed by the mashed bananas and the dollop of sour cream. Every ingredient brings more moisture and flavor, making the cake plush and layered with sweet banana essence.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Fold the dry mixture gently into the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Just stir until you see the last streaks of flour disappear. This keeps your Caramel Banana Cake beautifully airy and tender.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes (a bit less for round pans) or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will fill with the scent of caramelized bananas—a true comfort!

Step 7: Make the Caramel Frosting

As the cake cools, work your caramel magic: in a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Let it gently bubble for 2–3 minutes—it’ll smell like heaven—then take it off the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting is sumptuously smooth. That glossy caramel will make the cake truly unforgettable.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the cake is completely cool (patience is key!), spread your caramel frosting generously over the top. For that extra wow factor, drizzle more warm caramel sauce if you wish. Slice, admire, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Caramel Banana Cake

Garnishes

The crowning touch is always welcome! Try a sprinkling of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch, and maybe a few banana slices for a hint of fresh glamour. For a truly decadent finish, a gentle drizzle of extra caramel sauce makes every square sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Banana Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cool dollop of whipped cream—the creamy contrast highlights the cake’s caramel warmth. Coffee, chai, or even a glass of cold milk also harmonize beautifully with every sweet bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cake into generous squares and serve on a platter, or cut rounds for an elegant layered look. For parties, assemble mini-cupcake versions, each topped with a swirl of caramel. You can even repurpose leftovers by layering with whipped cream and caramel in parfait glasses for an irresistible trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the Caramel Banana Cake and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in the fridge for up to five days to maintain its moist crumb. The caramel flavor deepens as it sits, making the next-day slice (almost) better than the first.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, even with the caramel frosting! Wrap individual slices or whole sections tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter for that fresh-baked taste any time a craving strikes.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven taste, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’ve stashed some away in the freezer, allow it to thaw before reheating. A quick warm-up brings back all the softness and makes the caramel extra gooey.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream and offers the same tangy moisture that keeps the cake unbelievably soft.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?

If your bananas need ripening in a hurry, pop them in a 300°F oven on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and mash—they’ll be extra sweet and ready for your Caramel Banana Cake.

Can I make this as a layer cake?

Of course! Divide the batter between two 9-inch rounds for a classic layered look. Spread caramel frosting generously between the layers and on top for a truly spectacular Caramel Banana Cake centerpiece.

How can I make the caramel frosting thicker or thinner?

For a thicker, more spreadable frosting, add a bit more powdered sugar. If you prefer a pourable caramel sauce, simply stir in an extra splash of cream until you reach your dream consistency.

Are there any nut-free variations?

Definitely! The cake is just as delicious without nuts. But if no allergies are a concern, folding in toasted pecans or walnuts gives it a deliciously crunchy surprise.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Caramel Banana Cake is pure joy—whether you’re treating yourself, surprising friends, or rounding out a special meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Go on, gather your ripe bananas, swirl together that golden caramel, and let every slice bring a little extra sunshine to your day!