Dreamy Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe for All Seasons

Fresh banana aromas dance through kitchens when you whip up this decadent banana nut cake with caramel glaze.

Ripe fruit transforms ordinary desserts into memorable experiences with deep, rich flavors.

Nutty undertones complement sweet caramel in ways that surprise and delight.

Comfort baking reaches new heights through carefully balanced ingredients and simple techniques.

Warm spices intertwine with creamy textures, creating a dessert that feels like a sweet embrace.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with a few fundamental skills.

This cake promises to become a cherished favorite that sparks joy at every gathering.

We dare you to resist its irresistible charm.

Reasons to Love Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze

• Incredibly Easy to Whip Up: No advanced baking skills needed, even novice bakers can confidently create this delightful dessert with simple steps and basic ingredients.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Warm, moist banana cake combined with rich caramel glaze delivers a nostalgic, soul-warming experience that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, this cake appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible sweet and nutty flavor profile.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Minimal preparation time and straightforward technique make this recipe a go-to option for spontaneous baking or last-minute dessert cravings.

Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine base for the cake's structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together.
• Mashed Bananas: Provide moisture and natural sweetness.
• Milk: Adds liquid and softens the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth of flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.

• Chopped Nuts, Whole Almonds or Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Banana Slices: Fresh topping for extra banana essence.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth caramel base.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Makes glaze rich and creamy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances caramel flavor.

Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze Prep

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vanilla extract
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Milk

Mix everything until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a silky batter.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix! Fold in chopped nuts to add delightful crunch and texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Caramel Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar

Stir continuously until the ingredients dissolve completely.

Step 7: Finish the Glaze

Add heavy cream and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 8: Decorate and Glaze

• Sliced bananas
• Whole almonds or walnuts

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Slice the cake and serve warm for maximum deliciousness.

Cake Tips That Balance Banana, Nut, and Caramel Perfectly

• Boost Banana Flavor: Use overripe bananas with dark brown spots for deeper, sweeter taste and more intense banana profile.
• Control Nut Texture: Lightly toast chopped nuts before adding to batter to enhance their crunchiness and release richer, nuttier flavors.
• Prevent Cake Sinking: Avoid overmixing batter and ensure ingredients are room temperature to maintain proper rise and prevent dense texture.
• Glaze Perfection: Let caramel cool slightly before pouring to achieve ideal consistency and prevent cake from becoming soggy.
• Storing Smartly: Cover cake loosely with foil and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze Storage Instructions

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and keep moisture locked in.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Add a small splash of milk to prevent cake from becoming tough or dry.

Sweet Pairings for Banana Nut Cake

• Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Brew a rich, smooth cappuccino or latte with caramel notes that complement the cake's sweet flavor profile and enhance the nutty undertones.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast that balances the dessert's richness.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Select a warm, aromatic chai tea with cinnamon and cardamom undertones that echo the cake's spice elements and provide a gentle, comforting beverage pairing.
• Enjoy with Butterscotch Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of smooth butterscotch liqueur for adult guests, creating a decadent flavor connection with the caramel glaze and adding depth to the dessert experience.

Banana Cake Topping Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a completely dairy-free experience.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce the amount of caramel glaze to create a lighter, less sweet dessert for health-conscious individuals.
• Nutless Option: Remove chopped nuts from the batter and replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake's texture and adding a crunchy element.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute almonds or walnuts with pecans or even mix different nuts for added flavor and texture.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this cake?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots, as they are sweeter and provide more moisture to the cake.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramel glaze in advance and reheat it gently before pouring over the cake when you’re ready to serve.

Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sumptuous Banana Nut Cake with Caramel Glaze brings Southern comfort to your dessert table, blending ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and silky caramel into a heavenly slice. Warm spices and rich glaze invite you to savor each memorable bite of this irresistible homestyle treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups (187.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts or almonds
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk (dairy or plant-based)

Leavening and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream melted butter with brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then blend in vanilla extract, thoroughly mashed ripe bananas, and milk until the wet ingredients form a consistent texture.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to avoid overmixing. Carefully integrate chopped nuts throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and ensuring smooth surface.
7. Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
8. While the cake cools slightly, craft the caramel glaze by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.
9. Introduce heavy cream and vanilla to the caramel mixture, whisking vigorously to create a silky smooth consistency. Allow the glaze to simmer for approximately 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
10. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the slightly cooled cake, decorating with delicate banana slices and scattered whole almonds or walnuts.
11. Permit the glaze to set and slightly firm up before cutting into servings.

Notes

• Allow bananas to ripen until dark and spotted for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the cake.
• Chop nuts roughly to distribute texture and prevent soggy bottom when folding into batter.
• Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back and not leave an indentation.
• Keep caramel glaze warm for easier pouring and smoother coverage over the cake surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg