Go Back
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup milk - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon - Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving For this cake, ripe bananas are key. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor. The brown sugar and butter mixture makes a rich, gooey base. This helps the cake stay moist and gives it a sweet topping when you flip it over. The cake batter is simple yet tasty. It uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for structure. Granulated sugar adds more sweetness. The egg binds the ingredients, while milk and vanilla make it rich. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor. These ingredients come together to create a delightful dessert. You can enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature. Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat and Prepare the Cake Pan Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it with cooking spray or butter. This step helps the cake slide out easily later. 2. Make the Topping with Brown Sugar and Butter In a small pot, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of brown sugar over low heat. Stir until it bubbles. Pour this mix into your cake pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. 3. Mixing the Cake Batter In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 large egg until light. Mix in 1/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently, just until combined. 1. Pouring the Batter Over Bananas Arrange 3 sliced bananas in a circular pattern over the brown sugar mixture in the pan. Then pour the cake batter over the bananas. Spread it out evenly. 2. Baking Time and Temperature Place the cake pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. 3. Cooling and Inverting the Cake Once baked, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. To flip it, place a serving plate over the pan and turn it upside down. Gently lift the pan off. Now, you can see the lovely banana topping. Let it cool completely before slicing. Avoiding Overmixing Mixing the batter is easy, but don’t mix too much. When you combine wet and dry, stop when you see no flour. Overmixing can make the cake tough. A little lumpy batter is okay. It keeps your cake light and fluffy. Ensuring Even Baking For even baking, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake pan in the center of the oven. This helps hot air circulate around the cake. Check it at 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done. Garnishing Ideas To make your cake look great, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top. You can also add extra banana slices for color. This small touch makes the cake more appealing. Serving Suggestions with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream Serve your cake warm or at room temperature. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it special. The cold cream balances the warm cake. Enjoy this treat with family or friends for a happy moment. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer the bananas, the better the flavor and texture of your cake. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a tender one. Cool Before Inverting: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before inverting. This helps the caramelized bananas to set and prevents them from sticking to the pan. Perfect Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and add creaminess. {{image_2}} You can add more flavors to your banana upside-down cake. One great way is by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Just fold in about half a cup of nuts before pouring the batter. If you love chocolate, mix in a half cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also use other fruits. Pineapple slices work well and give a tropical taste. Try peaches or berries for a fruity mix. Just keep the same baking method and arrange them like the bananas. For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has a good mix of starches and fibers for the best texture. You might also need to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with the cake’s structure. If you want a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. - Best Storage Practices: To store your leftover banana upside-down cake, place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it well with plastic wrap. This keeps the cake moist and fresh. Avoid stacking other items on top of it. - Recommended Duration: The cake stays good for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. - Methods for Keeping the Cake Moist: To reheat, use the microwave. Heat a slice for about 15-20 seconds. This warms it without drying it out. You can also place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. - Serving Leftovers: Serve reheated cake warm. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a tasty treat. Enjoy it as an easy dessert or snack! Can I use other fruits for the topping? Yes, you can use other fruits! Pineapples and peaches work great. Just slice them thinly. Make sure the fruit is ripe for the best flavor. How do I know when the cake is done baking? To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. What can I substitute for eggs in the recipe? You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup of either for each egg. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. In this blog post, we explored the yummy world of banana upside-down cake. You learned about its main ingredients, how to make it, and tips for perfecting the cake. We also discussed fun variations and how to store and reheat leftovers. This cake is not just delicious; it’s also flexible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or dietary choices. With this guide, you now have all the tools to bake a tasty treat that will impress everyone! Enjoy making your cake!

Banana Paradise Upside-Down Cake

A delightful upside-down cake featuring ripe bananas and a caramelized brown sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, sliced
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 serving whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until bubbly and well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Arrange the sliced bananas in a circular pattern over the sugar mixture, covering the bottom as much as possible. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and egg until light and fluffy. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Pour the batter over the bananas in the cake pan, spreading it slightly to ensure even coverage.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert a serving plate over the pan and flip it to release the cake onto the plate, revealing the delicious banana topping.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and additional banana slices on top for an elegant touch.
Keyword banana, cake, dessert, upside-down