Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake

There’s something enchanting about the aroma of a warm cake fresh from the oven, especially when it’s topped with beautifully caramelized bananas. Imagine a soft, moist cake that showcases the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas, all while being crowned with a luscious caramel layer. This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too! The golden, glossy bananas sit atop a fluffy cake, creating a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or a delightful dessert for a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why It Works Every Time

This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake achieves its magic through a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The light brown sugar caramelizes beautifully when combined with the bananas, creating a rich layer of sweetness. The cake itself is moist and tender thanks to the combination of buttermilk and sour cream, which also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas. The addition of canola oil ensures a tender crumb, while the baking powder provides the necessary lift to create a fluffy cake.

What’s in the Bowl

To create this delicious cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• About 3 extra-large ripe bananas or 4 small/medium, sliced in half horizontally and then sliced in vertically
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch salt, optional and to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk or Powdered Buttermilk (use 2 tablespoons with the dry ingredients + 1/2 cup water added with the wet)
• 1 cup sour cream, lite okay or plain Greek yogurt may be substituted
• 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Salted caramel sauce for drizzling, optional (homemade or store-bought)

Before You Start: Equipment

Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• 9-inch round cake pan – for baking the cake and layering the bananas
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Electric mixer – for easy creaming of butter and sugars
• Rubber spatula – for folding in the batter
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
• Cooling rack – for cooling the cake post-baking

Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake, Made Easy

Let’s get started with the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with a bit of butter, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Caramelized Banana Layer

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of light brown sugar with the 1 stick of unsalted butter until it begins to bubble. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Next, arrange the banana slices in a single layer on top of the caramel, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add in the 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Finally, gently fold in the 3 tablespoons of canola oil until incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter over the arranged bananas in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter, allowing the caramelized bananas to rest on top.

Drizzle with salted caramel sauce, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some adjustments for a healthier version of this Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake, consider the following:

• Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Reduce the sugar by using less granulated sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower fat content.
• Replace canola oil with applesauce for a fat-free option.

What Not to Do

To ensure your Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t skip the greasing step; it’s essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
• Ensure your bananas are ripe enough; under-ripe bananas won’t provide the desired sweetness.
• Don’t forget to let the cake cool before inverting it; this helps to keep the banana layer intact.

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake fresh:

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Quick Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

While fresh bananas are ideal for flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen bananas in a pinch. Just ensure they are well-drained before use.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to drizzle the caramel sauce just before serving for the best presentation.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Similar Recipes

If you love this Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake, you might also enjoy:

• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
• Apple Cinnamon Cake
• Peach Upside-Down Cake
• Blueberry Banana Bread

Wrap-Up

This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, bursting with flavor and texture. With its caramelized banana topping and moist cake base, it’s the perfect addition to any occasion—be it a birthday, a family gathering, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. The ease of preparation combined with the impressive presentation makes it an ideal dessert for bakers of all levels. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this scrumptious cake that’s bound to impress everyone at the table! Enjoy every slice!