Banana Peanut Butter Caramel Ribbon Cake

Get ready to experience a slice of pure bliss with this Banana Peanut Butter Caramel Ribbon Cake! This isn’t just a cake; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures – moist banana cake swirled with a luscious, homemade salted caramel peanut butter sauce, all enveloped in a rich, dark chocolate glaze. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe balances sweetness with a hint of salt, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. We’ll guide you through each step to create a show-stopping cake that will impress everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• 200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light and airy texture.
• 100g (½ cup) Packed Brown Sugar: Contributes a lovely molasses flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist. Packing the brown sugar ensures accurate measurement.
• 1 tsp (5g) Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, creating a fluffy texture.
• ½ tsp (2.5g) Baking Soda: Another leavening agent, working with the baking powder to give the cake a perfect lift.
• ½ tsp (2.5g) Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• 240ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 120ml (½ cup) Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender. You can also use canola oil.
• 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
• 2 Ripe Bananas, Mashed (≈200g): The star of the show! Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more speckled they are, the sweeter they will be.
• 120g (½ cup) Creamy Peanut Butter (smooth, no added sugar): Provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the banana and caramel beautifully. Ensure it’s smooth for easy incorporation.
• 100g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter: Used in the caramel sauce, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• 100g (½ cup) Packed Brown Sugar (for caramel): Essential for creating the deep, complex flavor of the caramel.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Heavy Cream (or coconut cream): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, pourable caramel sauce. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
• ½ tsp Flaky Sea Salt (for salted caramel): Balances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a delightful salty kick.
• 150g (5.3 oz) Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, halal-certified): Creates a decadent glaze that complements the cake perfectly. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
• 30ml (2 tbsp) Coconut Oil (for glaze): Adds shine and smoothness to the chocolate glaze.
• 30g (¼ cup) Toasted Chopped Peanuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt (for garnish): Enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for optimal flavor, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• All-Purpose Flour: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Whole Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
• Vegetable Oil: Melted coconut oil or avocado oil can be substituted.
• Peanut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used, but will alter the flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Full-fat coconut milk (only the thick cream part) can be used for a dairy-free caramel.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Thoroughly grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan. Don’t skip the parchment paper lining the bottom – it’s your insurance policy against sticking!
2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is crucial here; it aerates the flour and evenly distributes the leavening agents, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Wet Ingredients Harmony: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and the sugars have begun to dissolve. This step creates the foundation of your cake’s moistness and flavor.
4. Banana Integration: Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture. Folding, rather than stirring, prevents overmixing, which can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. Ensure the bananas are evenly incorporated.
5. Caramel-Peanut Butter Magic: This is where the magic happens! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until it’s fully dissolved. This creates a rich, buttery base for the caramel.
6. Salted Caramel Creation: Add the heavy cream and flaky sea salt to the melted butter and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This allows the caramel to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and whisk in the smooth peanut butter until a glossy, salted caramel-peanut butter sauce forms. The salt enhances the sweetness and complements the peanut butter beautifully.
7. Layer One: Batter & Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the salted caramel-peanut butter sauce over the batter. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the sauce into the batter, creating visible ribbons. Don’t over-swirl; you want distinct ribbons, not a homogenous mixture.
8. Layer Two: Repeat & Swirl: Cover the swirled layer with the remaining batter. Drizzle the rest of the salted caramel-peanut butter sauce on top and swirl again for a second ribboned layer. This creates the signature ‘ribbon’ effect that makes this cake so visually appealing.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 30 minutes.
10. Cooling is Key: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart while it’s still warm and delicate.
11. Chocolate Glaze Preparation: While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate glaze. Combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl and melt over a simmering pot of water (bain-marie), stirring until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil adds a subtle sheen and enhances the chocolate’s flavor.
12. Glaze & Garnish: Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for a glossy finish. Immediately scatter the toasted chopped peanuts over the glaze and finish with a light pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast. The peanuts add a delightful crunch, and the sea salt balances the sweetness.
13. Set & Serve: Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh banana slices make an elegant optional accompaniment.

The Science of Banana Cake: Why This Recipe Works

Banana cake isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a beautiful example of how chemistry impacts baking. The mashed bananas contribute moisture, natural sweetness, and a tender crumb. The acidity in the bananas also reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise. The combination of granulated and brown sugar provides both structure and moisture, while the peanut butter and caramel add richness and depth of flavor. The use of oil ensures a moist cake, while the melted chocolate glaze provides a final layer of indulgence.

Elevating the Flavor: Peanut Butter & Caramel Harmony

The pairing of peanut butter and caramel is a classic for a reason. The saltiness of the peanut butter cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile. Using a smooth, no-added-sugar peanut butter allows the natural peanut flavor to shine through without overpowering the other ingredients. The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top further enhances this contrast, providing bursts of salty goodness with every bite.

Choosing the Right Bananas for Maximum Flavor

The key to a truly flavorful banana cake is using ripe bananas – the riper, the better! As bananas ripen, their starches convert into sugars, resulting in a sweeter, more intense banana flavor. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots. These are at their peak ripeness and will impart the most delicious banana flavor to your cake. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or tomato.

Tips for a Perfectly Smooth Chocolate Glaze

Achieving a perfectly smooth and glossy chocolate glaze requires a little patience. Ensure the bowl you’re using for the bain-marie isn’t touching the simmering water, as this can scorch the chocolate. Stir gently and consistently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Adding a touch of coconut oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create a beautiful sheen. If the glaze becomes too thick, you can add a tiny bit more coconut oil, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for binding.

How long will this cake keep?

This cake will keep for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week.

Final Thoughts & Pin It!

This Banana Peanut Butter Caramel Ribbon Cake is a true showstopper – a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your friends and family. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily find it again when you’re ready to bake!

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