Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake

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This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is a rich, moist, and buttery cake topped with golden caramelized bananas. The combination of sweet bananas, creamy caramel, and fluffy vanilla-infused cake makes this a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • ½ cup hot water

For the Banana Cake:

  • 3-4 bananas (sliced)
  • 2.5 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1.5 tbsp baking powder

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Layer

  1. In a dry saucepan, melt the 1.5 cups of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Carefully add the ½ cup of hot water while stirring. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring until the caramel is smooth and fully dissolved.
  3. Pour the caramel into a greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer at the bottom.

Step 2: Arrange the Bananas

  1. Slice 3-4 bananas and arrange them over the caramel layer in the baking dish. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour the batter over the bananas and caramel in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Unmold and Serve

  1. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramel and bananas should form a beautiful, glossy topping.
  2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 45g

The Origins and Popularity

The banana upside-down cake is inspired by the classic pineapple upside-down cake, which originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Using bananas instead of pineapples gives this version a deeper caramelized flavor and softer texture, making it a favorite in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cuisines where bananas are widely available.

With the richness of caramel, natural sweetness of bananas, and light vanilla cake, this dessert has become a popular choice for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is the perfect mix of flavors and textures, making it irresistible!

  • Moist and fluffy – The cake is perfectly soft with a tender crumb.
  • Rich caramel flavor – A buttery, golden caramel coats the bananas beautifully.
  • Sweet and fruity – The bananas become soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Easy to make – Uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep.
  • Perfect for any occasion – Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Health Benefits

While this cake is a decadent treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits from its key ingredients:

  • Bananas are high in potassium – Supports heart health and muscle function.
  • Eggs provide protein and vitamins – Help with energy and cell growth.
  • Milk adds calcium – Promotes strong bones and teeth.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance this banana upside-down cake with these delicious serving ideas:

  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
  • Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
  • Serve with coffee or tea for an elegant dessert pairing.
  • Sprinkle with chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for crunch.

Tips

To ensure your banana caramel cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use ripe bananas – The riper they are, the sweeter and softer the topping will be.
  • Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Invert the cake while it’s still warm – This helps the caramel release easily from the pan.
  • Use a non-stick or well-greased baking dish – Prevents sticking and ensures smooth removal.
  • For a richer flavor, add vanilla extract or cinnamon to the batter.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations to try:

  • Nutty Banana Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer.
  • Coconut Twist: Replace part of the flour with coconut flour for a tropical flavor.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Version: Stir in chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolaty twist.
  • Spiced Banana Cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for warmth.
  • Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar for a more wholesome option.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is a heavenly dessert that’s simple to make yet elegant and flavorful. With its buttery caramel topping, sweet banana slices, and moist cake, it’s a must-try recipe for any occasion. Serve it warm, enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and impress your family and friends with this delightful homemade treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the caramel?
    Yes! Brown sugar gives the caramel a deeper molasses flavor.

  • What type of bananas should I use?
    Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and texture.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    Yes! Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Can I freeze banana upside-down cake?
    Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

  • How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?
    Use parchment paper or a well-greased pan for easy removal.

  • What other fruits can I use instead of bananas?
    Try pineapple, pears, peaches, or apples for a different flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes! Almond flour or gluten-free flour can be substituted, but the texture may vary.

  • What’s the best way to serve this cake?
    Warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for a decadent treat.

  • Can I use a cake mix instead of homemade batter?
    Yes! A vanilla or butter cake mix can be used for convenience.

  • Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
    It’s best in a flat baking dish to allow easy flipping, but you can try a well-greased bundt pan.

Try this Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake today and enjoy a sweet, sticky, and delicious homemade dessert that will leave everyone wanting more! 🍌🍰🔥

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