Banana Pecan Caramel Dessert

For the Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the packed brown sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Dessert:
- Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the bananas.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the bananas and pecans.
Bake the Dessert:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the bananas are soft.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.