Upside-Down Banana Cake: Sweet, Simple, and Irresistibly Delicious
Banana cake has long been a beloved dessert in many households, but this Upside-Down Banana Cake takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. With its soft, fluffy cake and caramelized banana topping, it’s a treat that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you have ripe bananas sitting on the counter, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
What makes this cake even better? It’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The best part is, it’s a one-bowl recipe, so cleanup is a breeze. Let’s dive in!
The Beauty of Upside-Down Cakes
Upside-down cakes have been a dessert tradition for ages, and for good reason. The method of baking the fruit in the pan first and then flipping the cake allows the natural sugars in the fruit to caramelize, creating a rich, golden topping. In this version, the ripe bananas melt into the cake’s base, creating a tender, moist, and utterly flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients 🍌🍰🍯🥛
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Upside-Down Banana Cake:
-
1 egg
Provides structure and helps bind the cake. -
60 grams (6 tablespoons) of sugar
Adds the sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake. -
130 milliliters of milk
Moistens the batter for a tender texture. -
2 grams (1/2 teaspoon) of salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. -
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Adds a lovely depth of flavor. -
150 grams (1 1/4 cups) of cake flour or all-purpose flour
The base for your cake batter. Cake flour will give you a softer, more delicate crumb. -
3 ripe bananas, sliced
The star of the show! The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Directions: Simple Steps for an Amazing Cake
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until well combined and the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
3. Add the Milk, Salt, and Vanilla
Stir in the milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
4. Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add in the flour, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter should be smooth with no lumps.
5. Arrange the Bananas
Slice the bananas and arrange them evenly on the bottom of the prepared cake pan. You can be creative with the arrangement, whether you go for a circular pattern or just scatter them randomly.
6. Pour the Batter
Carefully pour the batter over the bananas, making sure it spreads out evenly to cover the fruit.
7. Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and slightly puffed.
8. Cool and Invert
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate, and gently lift off the pan. The bananas will be perfectly caramelized on top, creating a beautiful finish.
9. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the cake warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like. Enjoy the soft, caramelized bananas with every bite!
Tips for the Perfect Upside-Down Banana Cake
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas work wonderfully here as they are naturally sweeter.
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. It adds a warm, comforting spice to the cake.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, moist cake.
- If you prefer a bit of extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the bananas before pouring in the batter for a crunchy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for:
- Afternoon tea or coffee: It’s a delightful treat alongside your favorite hot beverage.
- Family gatherings: Serve it as a simple, sweet dessert after dinner.
- A weeknight treat: When you want to bake something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Upside-Down Banana Cake is the perfect balance of simple and delicious. The sweet bananas caramelize beautifully on top, while the soft cake underneath melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this easy cake is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!
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