There’s something beautifully nostalgic about upside-down cakes. They have that old-fashioned charm—like something Grandma would make on a Sunday afternoon, the house filled with the scent of sugar, butter, and fruit bubbling together into caramelized perfection. And while the classic pineapple version gets most of the attention, this Banana Upside Down Cake deserves a spotlight of its own.

Ripe bananas are transformed in this recipe—softened and sweetened as they soak up a golden caramel glaze, tucked beneath a tender, buttery cake. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug: simple, honest, and rich in comfort. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a cozy brunch, or just because you have a bunch of overripe bananas begging to be used, this cake is a lovely twist on a classic that might just become your new favorite.

For me, this cake brings back memories of lazy weekends with my mom in the kitchen. She was always trying to reinvent banana bread, and one day she flipped the script—literally. The result was this gooey, glorious banana upside-down cake. Now, I bake it every time I want to add a little sweetness to an ordinary day. It’s a great way to make use of bananas past their prime—and trust me, the riper, the better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect for using ripe bananas – the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake!
• Stunning presentation – those caramelized banana slices make a beautiful golden topping.
• Simple ingredients, big payoff – pantry staples come together for a show-stopping dessert.
• Moist and buttery texture – a soft, fluffy cake base soaks up all that delicious caramel.
• Versatile – serve it warm with whipped cream or cold with a cup of coffee.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 bananas (sliced)

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ripe banana (mashed)

HOW TO MAKE BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This will help everything release nicely later.

Next, pour the melted butter right into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it. The sugar and butter will bubble up in the oven, creating that irresistible caramel layer. Slice your bananas into rounds and arrange them over the sugar. Try to make a pattern if you’re feeling fancy—it adds to the wow factor when you flip it!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Keep this aside—this is your cake’s foundation, giving it structure and lift.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, making your cake soft and tender. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer—whatever you have on hand.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract. At this point, your batter should be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Mashed Banana and Milk

Stir in the mashed banana. It adds moisture and a deeper banana flavor. Then, alternating in parts, add your dry mixture and milk to the batter—beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix, or your cake might come out tough.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Gently pour the batter over the banana slices in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it bakes evenly. Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: The Flip!

Let the cake rest for about 10 minutes once it comes out of the oven. Then, while it’s still warm, place a plate or serving dish over the top of the pan and carefully flip it over. Tap the bottom to release the cake, and lift the pan slowly to reveal your banana masterpiece.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use ripe bananas for the topping and cake. The riper, the better—the natural sugars will help caramelize and intensify the flavor.
• Don’t wait too long to flip! If the cake cools too much, the topping might stick to the pan.
• Want extra flavor? Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter or over the banana slices before baking.
• Try it warm or chilled. Warm, it’s gooey and comforting. Chilled, it firms up and tastes like a banana pudding cake.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

This banana upside-down cake is best eaten the same day, especially when the bananas are fresh and caramelized. But leftovers keep beautifully and even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Estimated per slice (1 of 8 servings)
Calories: 310
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature or reheat slightly before serving.

Can I use a different fruit?
Definitely. Apples, pears, or even peaches work well in an upside-down cake. But bananas bring a special sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! A hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let the cake cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices individually for up to 2 months—just thaw and warm slightly before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy delights:

• Pineapple Heaven Cake
• Japanese Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)
• Apple Custard Impossible Pie
• Pecan Pie Lasagna

CONCLUSION

This Banana Upside Down Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re baking it for someone special or just treating yourself to something sweet, it’s a simple yet stunning cake that delivers comfort in every bite. So grab those ripe bananas, preheat that oven, and get ready to flip your dessert game upside-down.

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