If you are on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly combines rich caramel flavor with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, then you are in for a treat with this Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe. This cake is not just about beautiful presentation but also about layers of moist, tender crumb paired with caramelized banana slices that give every bite a delightful burst of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances a warm, homey feel with a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for casual family dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe are simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the hearty all-purpose flour that forms the cake’s structure to ripe bananas that bring natural fruity richness and moisture.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel flavor and moisture to the topping.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Provides richness and helps caramelize the sugar at the bottom of the pan.
- Bananas (2-3, sliced into 1/4″ rounds): The star of the show, delivering sweetness and beautiful visual appeal once flipped.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the cake structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and keeps it tender.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides lift and fluffiness to the cake texture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Sweetens the cake batter with subtle molasses notes.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds crunch and sweet structure to the batter.
- Mashed banana (1 cup): Makes the cake moist and infuses it with banana flavor throughout.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and tenderness to the cake crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavor for a warm, comforting aroma.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Contributes to the moist texture without overpowering flavor.
- Eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the cake.
How to Make Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9-inch round baking pan thoroughly. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick when the time comes to flip. Then, mix the melted butter with the packed brown sugar and press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Next, artfully arrange the banana slices on top of this glossy, caramel mixture. This arrangement will become the cake’s stunning top once baked and flipped, so feel free to get creative with your banana placement!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisking these together well helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sugars, which is crucial for a smooth, even rise and consistent sweetness throughout the cake.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Combine Gently
Into your dry mixture, add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir everything gently until just combined and no more flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix—this is key to keeping your cake tender and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 4: Pour Batter and Get Ready to Bake
Pour your cake batter over the banana and caramel layer in the pan, filling almost to the rim. As a helpful tip shared by readers who have tried this recipe, place your baking pan on a baking sheet before putting it into the oven. This catches any batter that might bubble over, keeping your oven clean and preventing burning smells.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Done
Bake the cake for 42 to 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. When it’s ready, you know your bananas will be gorgeously caramelized, and the cake moist and tender.
Step 6: The Crucial Flip
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for just 5 minutes. The timing here is very important! Flip too soon, and it may still be too hot to hold its shape; wait too long, and the caramelized sugar might stick stubbornly to the pan. When done right, you’ll unveil a shiny, golden crown of caramelized bananas ready to impress.
How to Serve Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little flourish never hurts. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the rich caramel notes. For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top after flipping, which adds extra texture and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs magically with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple vanilla yogurt for contrast. If you want a beverage pairing, a robust cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea brings warmth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake on a beautiful platter to showcase the caramelized banana top. For parties, slice into individual squares and place each on a dessert plate with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for that extra wow-factor. You can even personalize slices with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it perfect for enjoying over a few days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the magical moistness after storing or freezing, warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or gently reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This refreshes the flavors and textures, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the tanginess and acidity that buttermilk provides.
What type of bananas work best?
Ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal. They are sweeter and softer, which enhances both the cake’s sweetness and the smooth texture of the mashed banana used in the batter.
Why does the batter sometimes spill over during baking?
The batter can rise and bubble up more than expected due to the moisture and leavening agents. That is why it’s recommended to place the cake pan on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven to catch any overflow and prevent oven messes.
How long should I wait before flipping the cake?
It’s crucial to wait about 5 minutes after removing the cake from the oven to flip it. Waiting too long allows the caramelized sugar to harden and stick, making it difficult to release the cake cleanly from the pan.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, and replace butter with melted coconut oil. While it may differ slightly in texture, it still promises tasty results.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little baking know-how can create a stunning dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake never disappoints. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing this classic with a fruity twist!
Print
Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 cake (9-inch round)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Upside Down Cake features a caramelized brown sugar and butter topping layered with ripe banana slices, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake batter is enriched with mashed bananas and buttermilk, resulting in a tender crumb with a delightful balance of sweetness and banana flavor.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2–3 bananas (sliced into 1/4″ rounds, or more depending on arrangement)
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium-sized bananas)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ round baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the topping: Combine the melted butter with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Next, arrange the banana slices over the sugar mixture carefully, as this layer will become the top once inverted.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about a minute to fully incorporate. Add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined and no lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill the pan: Pour the banana cake batter over the banana slices and sugar mixture in the pan. The batter will nearly fill the pan.
- Prevent overflow: To avoid batter spilling over during baking, place the cake pan on a baking sheet and then place both into the oven. This will catch any overflow and keep your oven clean.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 42 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for only 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert onto a large plate or platter. This short cooling period prevents the caramelized sugar topping from sticking to the pan and ensures a clean release.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking of the caramelized topping.
- Placement of the cake pan on a baking sheet is recommended to catch any batter spills during baking.
- Do not wait too long before inverting the cake after baking to avoid sticking issues.
