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!

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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

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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)

 

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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.

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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.

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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.

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Serving Ideas

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

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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!).