There’s something fantastically whimsical about a Banana Upside Down Cake. Imagine a soft, buttery cake topped with caramelized bananas that glisten like little suns, making you feel as if you’ve stumbled into dessert heaven. The moment you flip it over, the aroma wafts through the air, sweet and inviting, promising a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an impromptu tea party, this cake steals the show and warms hearts. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.

Every slice reveals the tender crumb of the cake, perfectly paired with the luscious bananas that seem to be smiling back at you. As you take your first bite, the savory sweetness mingles with the cake’s fluffy texture, creating a delightful experience—like a hug from Grandma on a chilly day. Get ready to indulge in nostalgia and sweetness as we embark on this delicious journey together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Banana Upside Down Cake is incredibly easy to prepare for everyone from novice bakers to pros
- Its rich banana flavor combined with caramelized sugar creates an irresistible treat
- Visually stunning with its golden-brown topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion
- Serve it warm for dessert or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with coffee
I remember the first time I baked this Banana Upside Down Cake for my friends; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they saw it come out of the oven.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas with brown spots; they offer the best natural sweetness for your cake.
Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for richer flavor; it makes all the difference in your cake’s texture.
Brown Sugar: The deeper molasses flavor adds richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
All-Purpose Flour: Simple but essential; sift it for a light and airy cake.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to achieve that perfect rise.
Granulated Sugar: Balances out the flavors while providing sweetness; use sparingly since bananas are already sweet.
Eggs: They add moisture and help bind everything together; room temperature works best.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Banana Upside Down Cake
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
Create the Caramel Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter and stir in 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth and bubbly. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
Arrange Bananas: Slice your ripe bananas into thick rounds and arrange them neatly over the caramel base in the pan. Feel free to get artistic here!
Mix Your Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together remaining butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before incorporating vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Bake It Up: Pour batter over arranged bananas carefully ensuring even coverage. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate—don’t be afraid! The magic lies beneath that golden crust.
Enjoy every bite of this decadent Banana Upside Down Cake that not only looks gorgeous but tastes like sunshine on your tongue! It’s ideal for sharing or hoarding all by yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- Banana Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that transforms overripe bananas into a sweet, caramelized treat
- The fragrant aroma and moist texture will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery
- Perfectly paired with coffee, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the banana topping while the oven warms up, so everything bakes evenly and efficiently.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Banana Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your cake
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before flipping it over to avoid sticking
- A pinch of salt enhances the flavors beautifully, so don’t skip it!
I remember the first time I made Banana Upside Down Cake; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for more. Their smiles were priceless!
FAQ
What is the best type of bananas to use for Banana Upside Down Cake?
Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture in your cake.
Can I make Banana Upside Down Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan generously with butter and sprinkle sugar before adding bananas.

Banana Upside Down Cake
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Banana Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that transforms ripe bananas into a sweet, caramelized treat. This moist, buttery cake features a stunning golden-brown topping and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Perfect for family gatherings or an afternoon snack, every slice promises a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in brown sugar until bubbly. Pour into prepared pan.
- Arrange sliced bananas over the caramel mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, cream remaining butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter over bananas and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg