Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a freshly baked cake wafting through your kitchen. With its warm, sweet notes of caramelized bananas and a moist, tender crumb, this Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply want a slice to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this sweet creation!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: The combination of buttermilk and sour cream ensures a cake that’s incredibly moist.
- Perfectly Caramelized: The bananas transform into a luscious topping that adds depth and flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Unsalted Butter: 1 stick, for richness and flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed; adds a deep, caramel flavor.
- Extra-Large Ripe Bananas: About 3, or 4 small/medium, sliced for the topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, for the cake structure.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, to sweeten the cake.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, for leavening.
- Salt: A pinch, optional but enhances flavor.
- Large Egg: 1, to bind the ingredients together.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, or use 2 tablespoons of powdered buttermilk with ½ cup water added.
- Sour Cream: ¾ cup, or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons, for added moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, for a warm flavor boost.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: For drizzling, optional; homemade or store-bought.
Equipment Breakdown
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: The perfect size for this cake.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
- Oven: Preheat to ensure even baking.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with a bit of unsalted butter to ensure easy release later.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the stick of unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Stir until smooth and bubbly, then remove from heat. Pour this caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 3: Arrange the Bananas
Slice your ripe bananas in half horizontally, then slice them vertically into 3 or 4 long pieces if they’re particularly large. Arrange the banana slices on top of the caramel mixture in the pan, creating a beautiful pattern.
Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter over the arranged bananas in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Flip
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized bananas to cascade beautifully on top.
Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel
If you desire, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- Spring: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Summer: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Fall: Mix in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the bananas.
- Winter: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a cozy dessert experience.
What Could Go Wrong
- Bananas Browning Too Much: Ensure your bananas are ripe but not overripe to avoid a mushy texture.
- Caramel Sticking: Grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cake Not Rising: Check that your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening.
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a dense cake; mix just until combined.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
The Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different fruits for this cake?
Absolutely! You can replace bananas with other fruits like pineapples or peaches for a delicious twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and it will taste just as good the next day.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Bite
This Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. The caramelized bananas provide a sweet, gooey topping that perfectly complements the soft, moist cake beneath. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or enjoy a slice just because, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake something beautiful together!
Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with unsalted butter.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbly, then remove from heat and pour into the prepared cake pan.
- Slice the bananas and arrange them on top of the caramel mixture in the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter over the arranged bananas in the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
- If desired, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but not overripe bananas for the best texture.
- Ensure the cake pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
