Upside-Down Banana Cake

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A Moist, Caramelized Banana-Topped Dessert

Introduction

This Upside-Down Banana Cake is a simple yet stunning dessert that showcases caramelized bananas atop a tender, vanilla-infused cake. Unlike traditional pineapple upside-down cake, this version uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a gooey, buttery topping that forms as it bakes.

Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert, this cake is easy to make with pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment. The bananas caramelize into a golden glaze, while the cake itself stays moist and fluffy—thanks to a balance of milk and a touch of vanilla.

Ingredients

For the Banana Layer

  • 2–3 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar

For the Cake Batter

  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 60g (6 tbsp) granulated sugar
  • 130ml (½ cup + 2 tsp) milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 150g (1¼ cups) cake flour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder (if using AP flour)

(Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon for extra warmth)

(Serves 6–8)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Bananas

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt butter in a 9-inch round pan (or skillet) over low heat.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter, then arrange banana slices in a single layer.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk egg and sugar until pale.
  2. Stir in milk, salt, and vanilla.
  3. Sift in flour (and baking powder, if using AP flour), mixing just until combined.

3. Bake

  1. Pour batter over the bananas in the pan.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Flip & Serve

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
  2. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Why This Recipe Works

Caramelized Banana Magic

  • The brown sugar and butter create a sticky, glossy topping as they bake.
  • Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.

Light, Fluffy Cake

  • Cake flour (or AP flour + baking powder) ensures a tender crumb.
  • Milk and egg provide richness without heaviness.

Tips for Success

✔ Use VERY ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft.
✔ Storage: Best eaten fresh, but keeps for 2 days covered.

Serving Suggestions

  • With vanilla ice cream for dessert.
  • As a brunch dish with coffee.
  • For elegance, dust with powdered sugar.

Conclusion

This Upside-Down Banana Cake is a humble showstopper—simple to make yet impressive to serve. The caramelized banana topping and light vanilla cake make it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Variation: Add chopped walnuts or a drizzle of caramel before baking.

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