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Delicious banana upside down cake served on a decorative plate

Banana Upside Down Cake

A warm, comforting dessert featuring sliced bananas and a rich caramel glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Base

  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar Lends deep caramel notes
  • 4.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces Adds richness
  • 3 bananas, sliced into 1/4–1/3 inch rounds Ripe bananas enhance sweetness
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Caramelizes beautifully over the bananas

For the Cake Batter

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensures a tender crumb
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Balances earthy flavors
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor depth
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream Introduces moisture
  • 2 large eggs Bind ingredients together
  • 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup) Provides natural sweetness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour Adds texture
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures cake rises
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Additional leavening
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream Adds richness to glaze
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter For the glaze, ensures richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances glaze flavors

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease an 8x8x2-inch square cake pan or a 9”x2” round cake pan with butter.
  • Spread 2/3 of the brown sugar in the greased pan and distribute the butter pieces evenly over it.
  • Arrange the sliced bananas over the caramel mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Mixing

  • Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and mashed bananas to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Baking

  • Pour the batter over the sliced bananas in your cake pan.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes.
  • Once baked, cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
  • Invert the cake onto a serving plate.

Glazing

  • In a saucepan, combine the remaining butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  • Drizzle about 2/3 of this glaze over the inverted cake.

Serving

  • Serve slices warm, drizzled with remaining glaze. Optionally top with toasted pecans, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

Notes

For best results, use ripe bananas with brown speckles. Grease the pan generously to avoid sticking.
Keyword Banana Dessert, Banana Upside Down Cake, Caramel Cake, Comfort Food, Upside Down Cake