Next, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! Once combined, fold in the chopped pecans to add that crunchy texture we love. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, I usually clean up my workspace and prepare the caramel sauce if I’m making it from scratch. The aroma of the cake wafting through my kitchen is enough to entice anyone! Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to dribble down the sides. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some additional pecans on top. Slice into squares and watch as your friends and family disappear with delight!
Pro Tips for Best Results
After making this cake several times, I’ve found that using super ripe bananas adds an incredible natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. I sometimes let my bananas sit on the counter until they’re freckled and soft — that’s when they’re at their best for baking! For an extra flavor boost, you can also toast the pecans before folding them into the batter, which enhances their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch.
Another tip I learned from my own trials is to let the cake sit for a few hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delectable. And if you can resist, it tastes great on the second day, too! If you find yourself with leftovers, I recommend warming individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying. It gives that homemade charm every time!
Lastly, don’t hesitate to get a little creative with the caramel. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving. The contrast of sweet and salty takes this cake to another level, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was overmixing the batter. It’s so tempting to ensure everything is perfectly combined, but overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and airy texture we desire. Remember, mix until just combined! (See the next page below to continue…)