Banana Upside Down Cake

Moist, caramelized, and bursting with rich banana flavor, this Banana Upside Down Cake is a stunning twist on the classic pineapple version. Sweet bananas are baked into a golden caramel topping, creating a sticky, luscious layer that soaks into the soft, tender cake beneath. It’s an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to special celebrations!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramelized Banana Goodness – Sticky, sweet topping that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Moist & Tender Cake – Rich banana flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make – No fancy techniques, just simple layering.
Beautiful Presentation – Flipping the cake reveals a gorgeous banana topping.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, dessert, or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise or into coins

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
• ½ cup milk (any kind)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• A drizzle of caramel sauce when serving

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch round cake pan or deep pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter and brown sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and bubbling.
Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of your cake pan.
Arrange the sliced bananas over the caramel in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Mix in the mashed banana.
Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Carefully spoon the cake batter over the banana layer.
Spread the batter evenly without disturbing the bananas.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The top should be golden and the cake should spring back lightly when touched.

Step 5: Cool & Flip
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5–7 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Tips for Success
Use Ripe Bananas – Slightly spotted bananas are perfect for rich flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Invert While Warm – The topping releases easier when slightly warm.
Arrange Bananas Neatly – For a beautiful presentation once flipped.
Serve Warm or Room Temp – Delicious either way!

Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy topping.
With Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic, indulgent combo.
With a Drizzle of Caramel – For extra decadence.
As a Brunch Dessert – Sweet, impressive, and perfect for sharing.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm slices for 20–30 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes! Try apples, peaches, or pineapples for delicious variations.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I keep the bananas from turning mushy?
   Use just-ripe bananas and bake the cake right after assembling.
4. Can I add nuts?
   Yes! Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the bananas before adding the batter.
5. Is this cake very sweet?
   It’s sweet but balanced by the rich banana and buttery caramel topping.

Final Thoughts
This Banana Upside Down Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its gooey caramelized bananas and tender banana cake, every bite is pure comfort and sweetness. Whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or enjoying a slice with coffee, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.

Bake one today and turn ripe bananas into something truly magical! Don’t forget to share your upside-down creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American / Classic Dessert

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – serves 10):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 170mg

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