Banana Caramel Wedding Cake: The Ultimate Showstopper Dessert
Key Wedding Cake Details
Contents
Prep Time: 40–60 minutes
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes per layer
Total Time: 2–3 hours
Servings: 16–24 (8″ cake)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Dietary: Vegetarian
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Preparing this show-stopping wedding cake stand requires some specific tools:
Must-Have Tools
- Stand mixer
- Multiple mixing bowls
- Precision kitchen scale
- 8″ round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Cake leveler
Pro Tip Extras
- Cake turntable
- Piping bags
- Thermometer for caramel work
Ingredients Breakdown
Banana Cake Layer Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe bananas, perfectly mashed
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Caramel Sauce Magic
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Method
Mise en Place
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Prepare cake pans with parchment paper
- Mash bananas with a touch of lemon juice
- Sift dry ingredients together
Cake Baking Steps
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly
- Fold in mashed bananas and buttermilk
- Gently incorporate dry ingredients
- Divide batter between prepared pans
- Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely on wire rack
Caramel Technique
- Heat sugar and water without stirring
- Watch for deep amber color
- Carefully add cream
- Whisk in butter
- Cool completely
Assembly Secrets
- Level cake layers
- Brush layers with caramel
- Pipe cream cheese frosting between layers
- Crumb coat entire cake
- Chill for 30 minutes
- Final frosting layer
- Drizzle with remaining caramel
Expert Tips
- Banana Pro Tip: Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor
- Caramel Warning: Watch temperature carefully
- Frosting Trick: Ensure all ingredients are room temperature
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Can be frozen (unfrosted) for 1 month
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF flour blend
- Vegan: Substitute with plant-based alternatives
- Nut-Free: Omit nut garnishes
Wedding Presentation Ideas
- Add edible flowers
- Create rustic naked cake style
- Use dowel supports for multi-tier design
Remember: A wedding cake is more than dessert—it’s a centerpiece of celebration!