Cake 16/04/2025 02:35

Caramelized Upside-Down Banana Cake – Moist, Buttery & Irresistible!

Warning: This warm, sticky, caramel-kissed banana cake is so decadent, it’ll make you forget all other desserts! Imagine tender banana slices baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, topped with a fluffy, spiced cake that soaks up all the caramel goodness.

Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or when you need a showstopping treat—this cake is easier than you think and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✅ Caramelized banana topping – Sweet, gooey perfection
✅ Super moist & fluffy – Thanks to ripe bananas
✅ One-bowl batter – Minimal cleanup
✅ Smells like heaven – Cinnamon + caramelized sugar = pure bliss

Ingredients You’ll Need

(9-inch round cake)

For the Banana Topping:

3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
3-4 ripe bananas, sliced ½-inch thick
½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cake Batter:

1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 very ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp vinegar)

(Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter)

1. Caramelize the Banana Topping

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a 9-inch round pan (oven-safe skillet works too).
Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over butter.

Arrange banana slices in a single layer. Set aside.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Mix in mashed bananas, then alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.

3. Bake & Flip!

Pour batter over bananas in the pan. Bake 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Wait 1 minute before lifting the pan.

4. Serve Warm!

Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or extra caramel drizzle.

Pro Tips for the Best Cake

🔥 Extra caramel? Add 1 tbsp honey to the banana layer.
🍌 Banana trick: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness.

🍯 Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan?

Yes! An 8-inch square pan works (adjust bake time +5 mins).

How do I prevent sticking?

Run a knife around the edges before flipping.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Substitute GF flour blend 1:1.

Serving Ideas

☕ Brunch star: Pair with coffee
🍦 Dessert mode: Serve à la mode with caramel sauce
🌰 Crunchy twist: Top with toasted pecans

Final Thoughts

This Upside-Down Banana Cake is comfort food at its finest—warm, buttery, and loaded with caramelized banana goodness. Every bite tastes like a hug!

Pro tip: Bake two… one for now, one for later (if it lasts!).