Introduction to Salted Caramel Banana Cake
If you're on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of salt, look no further than Salted Caramel Banana Cake. This delightful treat combines the rich, gooey goodness of salted caramel with the warm, comforting flavors of ripe bananas. The result? A cake that feels cozy and indulgent, making it ideal for any occasion—whether it's a casual afternoon snack or the pièce de résistance at a dinner party.
Why salted caramel and banana make the perfect pairing?
The duo of salted caramel and banana is a match made in heaven, thanks to their complementary flavors. The natural sweetness of bananas harmonizes beautifully with the toasty, buttery notes found in salted caramel, while the pinch of salt elevates the overall flavor profile, adding depth and sophistication. This combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes a sense of nostalgia—think childhood banana treats elevated to gourmet heights!
If you're curious about perfecting your baking skills, consider this cake your next project. The process is straightforward, and the satisfaction of pulling a beautifully baked Salted Caramel Banana Cake from the oven is truly unmatched. It’s a delightful experience that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, launching your baking journey into a whole new level of delicious!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Making a delightful Salted Caramel Banana Cake starts with the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this luscious dessert that will surely impress your friends and family!
Essential ingredients for the banana cake
- Bananas: You'll need about 220 g of mashed bananas, which is roughly 2 large bananas. Make sure they're ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Brown Butter: Use 90 g of your prepared brown butter for a rich, nutty taste.
- Light Brown Sugar: 125 g adds the necessary moisture and sweetness.
- Egg and Vanilla Extract: These two simple ingredients work together to enhance the cake's flavor.
- Sour Cream: 90 g of sour cream gives the cake a tender crumb; room temperature is best!
- All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, and Cinnamon: These dry ingredients create the perfect structure and warmth in your cake.
- Crushed Pecans (Optional): For an extra crunch, add about 56 g!
Key ingredients for the salted caramel cream cheese frosting
- Cream Cheese: 150 g at room temperature is essential for that creamy texture.
- Brown Butter: Incorporate 65 g of leftover brown butter for depth of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 150 g to sweeten your frosting without grittiness.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Just 45 g will bring that irresistible salted caramel contrast to the frosting.
With these ingredients on hand, you're all set to create a stunning Salted Caramel Banana Cake that’s both delicious and memorable! Curious about where to find quality ingredients? Check out Target for the best selection.
Preparing Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Get your ingredients ready
Before we dive into the delightful world of baking, let’s gather all the ingredients you'll need for this scrumptious Salted Caramel Banana Cake. Make sure you have on hand:
- Unsalted butter
- Mashed bananas (about 2 large ones)
- Light brown sugar
- An egg
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon
- Optional: crushed pecans for that extra crunch!
Having everything laid out will make the process smoother, and you’ll be less likely to forget a crucial ingredient. Trust me, nothing is worse than realizing you’ve forgotten to add the egg halfway through mixing!
Brown the butter for that rich flavor
The secret to a deep, rich flavor in your Salted Caramel Banana Cake lies in browning the butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 198g of unsalted butter. Stir constantly until it turns amber and develops those lovely brown specks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s ready, transfer the butter to a bowl and let it chill in the freezer for about five minutes. This step is crucial, as it intensifies the flavor and gives your cake that irresistible aroma.
Mix and mash for the banana cake batter
Now let’s get into the fun part! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, in a medium bowl, mash up about 220g of bananas until smooth. Incorporate the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix vigorously until everything is well blended.
Then, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, mixing just until combined—this way, your cake stays light and airy. If you’re using them, now’s the time to toss in those crushed pecans for added texture!
Bake to perfection
Pour your batter into a buttered and sugared 7" springform pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary!
Whip up the salted caramel cream cheese frosting
While the cake bakes, let’s prepare the showstopper: the frosting! In a medium bowl, mix together 150g of room temperature cream cheese and the remaining 65g of brown butter until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add 150g of powdered sugar, then blend in 45g of salted caramel sauce. This frosting will take your cake to a whole new level—trust me!
Assemble and decorate your cake
Once your Salted Caramel Banana Cake has completely cooled, it’s time to frost! Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra touch, swirl some additional salted caramel sauce on top. Slice, serve, and watch your friends and family swoon! Enjoy the journey and don’t forget to savor each bite of this indulgent treat.
Variations on Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Adding nuts for extra crunch
For a delightful twist on your Salted Caramel Banana Cake, consider adding crushed nuts! Pecans are a fantastic choice, bringing a rich flavor and satisfying crunch. Simply toss in about ½ cup of crushed pecans into the batter, and enjoy the enhanced texture they provide. You could also experiment with walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor profile. How do you like your cake?
Trying different frosting flavors
While the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a hit, why not mix things up? Chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or even a tangy lemon frosting can offer a fresh take. To complement the banana flavor, a cinnamon buttercream could be a warm, cozy option. Don't be afraid to get creative and discover new favorite combinations! You might just find your new go-to dessert!
For more variations and ideas, check out resources like The Spruce Eats or Sally's Baking Addiction.
Cooking Notes for Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Brown Butter
To make that perfect brown butter for your Salted Caramel Banana Cake, keep it on medium heat and stir occasionally. You’ll want to watch closely as it goes from yellow to a toasty amber, filled with nutty aromas. Once you see brown specks forming, pull it off the heat! Transfer it to a bowl to prevent further cooking. If you’re unsure, a good indicator is to check for a rich, caramel fragrance that fills your kitchen!
How to Ensure Your Cake is Moist
For a moist cake, opt for ripe bananas—they're sweeter and contribute to moisture! Also, include room temperature ingredients like your egg and sour cream. They blend better, creating a more even batter. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; mix just until combined for a cake that’s tender and fluffy. Lastly, letting the cake cool completely before frosting is key to sealing all that moisture in!
Happy baking! Don’t forget to share your delightful creations with us.
Serving suggestions for Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Pairing your cake with ice cream
What could enhance your Salted Caramel Banana Cake more than a scoop of creamy ice cream? Vanilla bean or caramel ice cream pairs splendidly by adding a delightful contrast to the rich frosting. You could even consider pairing it with a salted caramel swirl ice cream to amplify those lovely caramel flavors. The cold, silky texture perfectly balances the warm notes from the cake, creating an irresistible dessert experience. Top it off with a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce for a truly decadent treat!
Display ideas for parties or gatherings
When hosting, presentation is key! Showcase your Salted Caramel Banana Cake on a decorative cake stand or platter. Surround it with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of crushed pecans for an appealing touch. You might even add a few jars of salted caramel sauce on the side, creating a fun DIY element for guests to drizzle on their slices. For festive occasions, consider adding colorful edible flowers or seasonal fruits to elevate the visual appeal and charm of your gathering. Happy baking!
Time Breakdown for Salted Caramel Banana Cake
When you're ready to whip up this Salted Caramel Banana Cake, you'll want to manage your time effectively. Below is a handy breakdown to help you plan your baking adventure!
Preparation Time
Approximately 20 minutes to gather ingredients, brown the butter, and mix your batter.
Baking Time
The cake will need 35-40 minutes in the oven, allowing it to rise and develop that delicious flavor.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at about 60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekday dessert or a weekend treat!
For a delightful twist on classics, don't forget to explore more recipes for banana desserts and caramel treats that work perfectly into your baking rotation!
Nutritional Facts for Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Calories
Each slice of Salted Caramel Banana Cake contains approximately 562 calories, making it a decadent dessert option for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Sugar Content
With around 42 grams of sugar per slice, this cake satisfies your sweet tooth. Keep in mind that the salted caramel drizzled on top contributes to the overall sweetness.
Saturated Fat
This delightful cake has about 18 grams of saturated fat per serving, primarily from the brown butter and cream cheese frosting. It's a rich dessert, so moderation is key!
For more detailed nutritional insights, check out resources like NutritionData or Healthline. Enjoy your baking!
FAQs about Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Can I use other types of frosting?
Absolutely! While the Salted Caramel Banana Cake pairs wonderfully with the creamy salted caramel frosting, feel free to experiment with alternatives. A classic buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream could provide a delicious twist. You can even try peanut butter frosting for a nutty flavor that complements the banana beautifully.
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is always a possibility with such a delectable cake!), store your Salted Caramel Banana Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To keep it moist, consider covering it with plastic wrap before placing the lid on the container.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Making the Salted Caramel Banana Cake gluten-free is simple! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is labeled gluten-free, which you can easily find in most stores, such as this gluten-free option. Enjoy delicious cake without missing out!
Conclusion on Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Indulging in this Salted Caramel Banana Cake is an experience you simply can't miss. With its moist banana base topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of decadent salted caramel, it's perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself, share with friends, and enjoy a slice of bliss!
Salted Caramel Banana Cake
Equipment
- small saucepan
- mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- 7" springform pan
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- 198 g unsalted butter (¾ c. + 2 tbsp.)
Banana Cake
- 220 g banana mashed (~2 large bananas)
- 90 g brown butter (¼ c. + 2 tbsp. + 1 tsp.)
- 125 g light brown sugar (½ c. + 2 tbsp.)
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 90 g sour cream (¼ c. + 2 tbsp.) room temperature
- 150 g all purpose flour (1 ¼ c.)
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 56 g crushed pecans optional (½ c.)
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- 150 g cream cheese room temperature (⅔ c.)
- 65 g brown butter (4 ½ tbsp.)
- 150 g powdered sugar (1 ¼ c.)
- 45 g salted caramel sauce (3 tbsp.)
Instructions
Brown Butter
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, brown the butter. Stir the butter occasionally until it turns amber in color and develops little brown specks.
- Transfer the butter to a small bowl and set it in the freezer for 5 minutes to chill.
Banana Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Butter a 7" springform pan, then coat it with sugar.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, mash up the banana until no large chunks remain.
- Add in 90g of the brown butter. Leave the remaining brown butter out at room temperature until you're ready to make the frosting.
- Add in the sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined.
- Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together until only a few flour streaks remain. Add in the chopped pecans, then mix just until no flour streaks remain.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add the cream cheese and remaining brown butter to a medium sized mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer (or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy (1-2 min).
- Beat in the powdered sugar until well combined, then add in the salted caramel sauce and beat for an additional minute.
- Once the cake has fully cooled to room temperature, top it with the cream cheese frosting. Swirl some more salted caramel sauce on top, then slice, serve, and enjoy!
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