Caramelized Upside-Down Banana Cake is a rich and comforting dessert featuring a luscious layer of caramelized bananas atop a soft, buttery cake. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with a golden brown sugar glaze, creates an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for cozy gatherings, afternoon tea, or a warm homemade treat, this cake is easy to prepare yet indulgent in flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Gooey – The caramelized banana topping creates a rich, syrupy layer that complements the soft cake.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Naturally Sweet – Ripe bananas and brown sugar add deep, caramel-like sweetness without the need for excess sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even a decadent breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Banana Topping:
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced lengthwise)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Caramelized Bananas
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Pour the caramel into a greased round cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the banana slices over the caramel layer in a single layer.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until a smooth batter forms, but do not overmix.
Assemble & Bake
- Gently pour the cake batter over the banana and caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Flip & Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized banana topping.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for extra texture.
- Spiced Twist – Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the banana flavor.
- Chocolate Infusion – Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, chocolatey surprise.
- Coconut Flavor – Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and top with shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, overripe bananas enhance the caramelized flavor, but they should still hold their shape when sliced.
What type of cake pan works best?
A round 9-inch cake pan is ideal, but a square pan or loaf pan can also be used.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar for the caramel?
Brown sugar is preferred for a richer, deeper caramel flavor, but white sugar can work in a pinch.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when flipping?
Grease the pan well and allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it onto a plate.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I add rum or bourbon to the caramel?
Yes, a tablespoon of dark rum or bourbon adds a delicious depth of flavor to the caramel.
Can I use another fruit instead of bananas?
Yes! Pineapple slices, apples, or pears work well as substitutes.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Avoid overbaking and store it properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Caramelized Upside-Down Banana Cake is a comforting dessert that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and gooey indulgence. Whether served on its own or paired with ice cream, this simple yet elegant cake is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich flavors of caramelized bananas in every bite!
