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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 64 reviews

If you adore rich, moist cakes with a touch of fruity sweetness and indulgent caramel, you are in for a treat with this Caramel Banana Cake Recipe. It combines the natural, velvety sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious, creamy caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether for a birthday celebration, a cozy weekend gathering, or just a special everyday dessert, this cake brings warmth and delight with every bite, striking the perfect balance between comfort and elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Caramel Banana Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the cake’s moist texture, sweet flavor, and beautiful color, making it an easy yet impressive dessert to pull off in any kitchen.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, offering structure and a tender crumb.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely and stay light.
1 tsp baking powder: Provides lift alongside baking soda for perfect fluffiness.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the cake’s flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice that pairs wonderfully with banana.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moistness to every bite.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a tender texture.
½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture.
2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and contribute to the cake’s lift.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s complex flavors with a fragrant hint.
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas): The star ingredient that turns ordinary cake into a moist, flavorful wonder.
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): Adds tanginess and extra moisture for a tender crumb.
For the caramel frosting or sauce:
½ cup unsalted butter: The rich base for the smooth caramel topping.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: Creates that signature caramel flavor with a deep sweetness.
¼ cup heavy cream: Gives the caramel its luscious, creamy texture.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the caramel frosting with warm, aromatic depth.

How to Make Caramel Banana Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans — either a 9×13-inch pan for a single-layer cake or two 9-inch round pans if you prefer layers. This ensures your cake will pop out cleanly when it’s baked and cooled, setting the stage for success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the optional cinnamon. This combination readies the dry base of your cake, ensuring even rise and that subtle cinnamon warmth if you choose to add it. Whisking helps to avoid any lumps and keeps your batter smooth.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is essential for incorporating air, which adds lightness to your cake. The brown sugar enhances moisture and gives the cake its gentle caramel undertones.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream. This blend brings moisture, flavor, and the tender texture that banana lovers adore in this recipe.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing here, as it can make the cake dense. The batter should be thick but smooth, ready to transform into the moist, tender Caramel Banana Cake you’re envisioning.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan(s) and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Let it cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the caramel topping.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Frosting

While the cake cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in packed brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is silky smooth and ready to spread.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious caramel frosting generously over the cooled cake. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional warm caramel sauce on top for visual appeal and that irresistible gooey finish.

How to Serve Caramel Banana Cake Recipe

A round cake with one thick layer covered in smooth, light brown frosting with wave-like swirls all around. The top of the cake has a circle of dark brown pecan halves placed closely together in the center. Drizzles of shiny caramel sauce run down the sides and top of the cake unevenly. The cake sits on a white plate with a blue rim, placed on a white marbled surface with a dark blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the visual and flavor appeal by adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting. The nuts provide a delightful crunch that complements the cake’s soft texture. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few banana slices can also brighten the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Caramel Banana Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, balancing sweetness with creaminess. For a cozy touch, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, which adds warm spice notes that highlight the caramel and banana flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into generous squares for a rustic, homemade feel or create elegant layers by halving the cake horizontally and filling with extra caramel sauce or banana slices before frosting. For a party, serve individual mini cakes or cupcakes using this batter, each crowned with a swirl of caramel frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer enjoyment, refrigeration extends freshness to about 5 days and helps the caramel frosting set beautifully.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost as usual.

Reheating

If serving slightly warm cake is your preference, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the crumb moist and cupcake-like. Refresh caramel sauce can also be warmed and drizzled on top just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Caramel Banana Cake Recipe because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the cake’s natural banana flavor and moistness.

Is sour cream essential, or can I substitute it?

Sour cream adds moisture and slight tanginess, but plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with a similar effect. You can also replace it with buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long does the caramel frosting stay fresh?

The caramel frosting tastes best within a few days and should be stored covered in the refrigerator. Keep it airtight to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

Definitely! Adding about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter is a wonderful way to introduce texture and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Banana Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm, comforting slice of happiness that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this cake delivers moist banana goodness wrapped in decadent caramel bliss. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!