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Easy Banana Vanilla Bean Caramel Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 81 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 14 servings

Description

This Easy Banana Vanilla Bean Caramel Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines ripe bananas, rich vanilla bean paste, and luscious caramel swirls for a delightful treat. Made with a yellow cake mix, it’s enhanced with a homemade caramel cream cheese glaze that adds a creamy, sweet finish. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is simple to prepare and yields 14 satisfying servings.

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 2 bananas (preferably very ripe or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (optional, can substitute with 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract)
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the bundt pan)

Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bundt Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly butter a 10-12 cup bundt cake pan using a paper towel, making sure to cover all grooves and the center tube. Sprinkle 1/4 cup granulated sugar inside the pan, twisting and shaking to cover evenly. Add extra sugar on the center tube if needed. Shake out any excess sugar that settles at the bottom.
  2. Mix Bananas and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and bananas. If bananas are fresh, mash or puree them thoroughly. Using an electric or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium to medium-high speed until creamy and smooth with no large banana chunks.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the banana mixture, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Add the vanilla bean paste and mix well. Scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Add Milk and Cake Mix: On medium speed, add half of the milk followed by half of the dry cake mix. Mix well, then repeat with the remaining milk and cake mix. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to fully combine.
  5. Layer Batter and Caramel: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing it out evenly. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the batter, avoiding the edges if possible. Gently swirl the caramel into the batter using a knife. Repeat layering with the remaining batter and caramel sauce.
  6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For older or lightweight dark pans, bake at 325°F for about 45 minutes to prevent burning.
  7. Cool and Remove from Pan: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then gently tap and shake the pan to loosen the cake. Invert onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons caramel sauce on medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk and mix on slow speed until combined. Adjust consistency with additional milk as desired.
  9. Glaze the Cake: Spoon the glaze over the cooled cake, spreading as much or as little as preferred. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans on top immediately while the glaze is still wet.
  10. Store the Cake: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use very ripe or frozen bananas for best flavor and moisture.
  • Vanilla bean paste is optional but adds a richer vanilla flavor compared to extract.
  • Be sure to sugar coat the bundt pan well to prevent sticking and help with release.
  • If using an old or dark pan, lower oven temperature to avoid burning the cake exterior.
  • Do not cool the cake completely in the pan to prevent sticking; remove it while still warm.
  • Adjust glaze thickness with milk to your preferred consistency.
  • Store the cake properly in the fridge, especially due to the cream cheese glaze.
  • Optionally, add chopped nuts or toasted pecans on top for texture and extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/easy-banana-vanilla-bean-caramel-cake-recipe/