Banana Upside Down Cake

A moist, spiced cake topped with caramelized bananas that’s perfect for dessert or any sweet craving

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 40-50 minutes | Cooling Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 8-10 slices

Baking has a way of turning the most humble ingredients into something extraordinary. This is especially true when it comes to bananas—a fruit so deeply woven into my everyday routine that it feels like a lifelong companion. They’re the constant on my counter, the go-to for breakfast, snacks, and, of course, dessert. But every now and then, I like to take this familiar fruit and give it a little elegance. Enter: my Banana Upside Down Cake.

With its rich caramelized topping and warm spiced cake base, this dessert is more than a simple banana cake. The bananas, cooked in butter and brown sugar, transform into a velvety layer of sweetness, while the cinnamon and nutmeg in the batter bring a complexity that makes each bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of dessert you’d expect to find on a dinner party table, yet it’s simple enough to whip up when a craving hits.

If you’re a banana lover like me, this cake is going to feel like home. Much like our signature Banana Pudding, this recipe celebrates the beauty of bananas in their purest, most decadent form.

Ingredients For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced vertically

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Topping:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, creating a sticky base. Arrange the banana slices on top of the sugar in an even layer. Set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The spices will add warmth and depth to the cake, making it taste like something you’d find in a cozy café on a rainy afternoon.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for achieving that tender, airy texture in the final cake.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed banana, allowing its moisture and sweetness to integrate fully into the batter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. This method ensures the batter stays light and evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.

6. Assemble and Bake:

Gently spread the batter over the banana topping in the pan, smoothing it with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. The Flip:

Let the cake cool in the pan for 35- 40 minutes. This allows the topping to settle and prevents it from sticking to the pan. Carefully run a knife around the edges, place a serving plate on top, and flip the cake over. A few seconds of suspense, and then—the reveal. The caramelized bananas should gleam like a crown atop the warm, spiced cake.

In the culinary world, the true artistry lies in transforming simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. This Banana Upside Down Cake exemplifies that philosophy, turning the familiar banana into a sophisticated dessert that delights the senses. The caramelized banana topping melds seamlessly with the spiced, moist cake, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It's a testament to how, with a touch of creativity and care, we can reimagine the ordinary into the exceptional. So, the next time you find yourself with ripe bananas on hand, consider this recipe—a refined indulgence that pays homage to a beloved fruit.