Fluffy Banana Pecan Cake Recipe: A Sweet Nutty Delight

Sweet baking adventures await with this irresistible banana pecan cake that blends rich, nutty flavors into every delectable slice.

Ripe bananas mash perfectly into a tender, moist base that hints at comfort and warmth.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, creating layers of texture that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweetness and nuttiness that elevates ordinary desserts to extraordinary experiences.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with effortless techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Fragrant and inviting, this cake transforms ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates the classic combination of bananas and pecans.

Banana Pecan Cake Standout Features

• Perfect for novice bakers wanting to elevate their kitchen confidence with a straightforward, rewarding recipe that delivers professional-looking results.
• Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its rich, moist texture and delightful combination of banana and pecan flavors.
• Simple ingredients and uncomplicated steps make this cake an ideal last-minute dessert for spontaneous gatherings or weekend indulgence.
• Suitable for multiple occasions like potlucks, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a comforting homemade dessert that suits any mood.

Key Ingredients for Banana Pecan Cake

• Flour: A crucial base that provides structure and texture to the banana pecan cake.
• Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that bring a rich, nutty flavor and delightful texture to the dessert.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, soft cake crumb.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's golden brown color.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, tangy dimension to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds a luxurious finish to the cake.

Tools for Baking Moist Banana Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending flour mixture and creating smooth glaze.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar perfectly.
• 8-inch square baking pan: Exact size needed for this delicious cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient amounts.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness accurately.
• Spatula: Great for folding pecans and spreading batter smoothly.

Easy Steps for Banana Pecan Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab an 8-inch square pan and lovingly coat it with butter and a dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend until perfectly combined and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a spacious bowl, transform butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud.

Gently incorporate eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract for an aromatic twist.

Step 4: Banana Sour Cream Fusion

Fold mashed bananas and sour cream into your creamy mixture.

Stir until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 5: Marry Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Sprinkle chopped pecans throughout the batter for delightful crunch.

Step 6: Pan Preparation

Transfer batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread evenly, creating a beautiful landscape of deliciousness.

Step 7: Baking Transformation

Slide pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Craft Vanilla Glaze

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 9: Cooling Moment

Let cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Decorate And Celebrate

Drizzle vanilla glaze over the cake.

Garnish with sliced bananas and extra chopped pecans.

Slice, serve, and watch smiles bloom!

Pro Tips for Banana Pecan Cake Success

• Use overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your cake.
• Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough, dense texture.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchiness.
• Let the cake cool completely before drizzling glaze to prevent it from sliding off and ensure a beautiful, even coating.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing moisture.

Fun Twists for Banana Pecan Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the cake's rich, nutty flavor.
• Vegan Banana Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and dairy-free yogurt to create a completely vegan-friendly cake.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, lower-calorie option.
• Chocolate Banana Nut Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent chocolate-banana fusion.

Serving Banana Pecan Cake for Dessert

• Banana Bliss Platter: Arrange cake slices on a rustic wooden board, scattered with extra pecans and fresh banana slices for a gorgeous presentation.
• Sweet Afternoon Companion: Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or creamy chai tea to enhance the cake's warm, comforting flavors.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates the humble cake to a restaurant-worthy treat.
• Brunch Star: Offer as a centerpiece for weekend gatherings, cutting into neat squares and garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant simplicity.

Storing Banana Pecan Cake to Stay Fresh

• Store cake covered in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep glaze separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Ensure space is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size for consistent texture in the cake.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use overripe bananas with brown spots. They provide the most intense flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.

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

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 baking ratio to maintain the cake’s texture.

• Can I skip the sour cream in the recipe?

While sour cream adds moisture and richness, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to achieve a similar result in the cake’s texture.

Luscious Banana Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Midwestern banana pecan cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, comforting flavors. Moist layers meld sweet bananas and crunchy pecans, creating a memorable treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients and Extras:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Sliced bananas for topping
• Additional chopped pecans for topping

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract.
4. Fold mashed bananas and sour cream into the butter mixture until thoroughly integrated.
5. Gently introduce dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. Carefully fold in chopped pecans.
6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
7. Position pan in preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Craft vanilla glaze by whisking heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and uniform.
9. Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. Once completely cooled, drizzle glaze over cake and garnish with fresh banana slices and additional pecans before serving.

Notes

• Choose ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor that elevates the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty richness and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that maintains moisture and provides similar tangy undertones.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains tender and delectable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg