Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature when the cake batter is ready. While the oven heats up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cake layers come out smoothly once baked. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the bottoms of the pans. This small but important step ensures that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to remove once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will help the cake rise and achieve its light texture, while the cinnamon adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Set this bowl aside. Be sure to use a whisk to break up any clumps of baking powder or baking soda to ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a smooth batter that will result in a tender cake. It may take a few minutes of mixing, but you’ll know it’s ready when the sugar is fully incorporated, and the butter is pale and airy. The creaming process helps to incorporate air into the batter, which results in a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Bananas Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is properly incorporated before moving on to the next one. Once all the eggs are mixed in, add the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract. The bananas add moisture and flavor, while the vanilla enhances the overall taste of the cake. Bananas also help to bind the cake together, so don’t be afraid to use slightly overripe ones—they’ll add even more flavor and moisture to your cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches with the buttermilk. Start by adding a third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, then continue alternating until everything is combined. Be sure to mix gently—overmixing at this stage can result in a dense cake. Once combined, fold in the chopped pecans. The pecans will add texture and crunch, so be careful not to overwork them into the batter. You just want to fold them in until they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be golden on top and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pans. This is a good indicator that the cakes are done. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The cooling process is essential to prevent the layers from falling apart when you try to frost or layer them.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Sauce Once the cakes have cooled, it’s time to assemble. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top. Add the second cake layer on top and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce. If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can pour more sauce over the top or serve the extra caramel sauce on the side for each person to add to their slice. The caramel sauce will soak into the cake slightly, adding extra moisture and flavor. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade caramel sauce if you want an extra-special touch.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Slice the cake into 10-12 pieces and serve! The cake is moist, flavorful, and has just the right balance of banana and caramel. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. The cake is rich and satisfying, with the pecans adding a delightful crunch. The caramel sauce ties everything together, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion.