Banana Upside Down Cake

The Banana Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, featuring the sweet and comforting flavors of ripe bananas and caramelized brown sugar. This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, with the soft and moist banana cake layer complemented by the gooey, caramelized banana topping. To fully appreciate the Banana Upside-Down Cake, it’s important to explore the history of this classic dessert and its evolution from its pineapple counterpart before diving into the step-by-step instructions and ingredient list for making your own delicious upside-down cake.

INGREDIENTS

For the Banana Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced

For the Banana Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/8 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch rectangular or similar-sized baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Banana Topping

1. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s well combined and the mixture is smooth.
2. Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
3. Arrange the banana slices on top of the caramelized mixture in a single layer. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Banana Cake Batter

1. In a small bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas and lemon juice. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the banana and lemon juice mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Carefully pour the banana cake batter over the caramelized banana topping in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bananas.
2. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Flip

1. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes.
2. After cooling, place a serving platter or tray over the top of the baking dish, then carefully invert the dish to release the Banana Upside-Down Cake. The caramelized banana topping should now be on top of the cake.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the Banana Upside-Down Cake into squares or rectangles, showcasing the caramelized banana topping.
2. Serve the slices warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

This Banana Upside-Down Cake is a wonderful variation of the classic upside-down cake, combining the sweet and creamy goodness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramelized topping. It’s a dessert that pays homage to the timeless tradition of upside-down cakes while offering a delicious treat for your family and friends to enjoy.