Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake: A Sweet Delight

If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a decadent dessert, look no further than the Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake. This delightful confection combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, buttery cake, all topped with a glossy layer of caramelized sugar. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion – from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Topping:

• 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or yogurt

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture is bubbly and combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and pour the caramelized mixture into a round cake pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
5. Neatly arrange the banana slices on top of the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

1. Carefully pour the cake batter over the banana slices and caramel in the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Serve

1. To unveil the beautiful topping, place a large plate over the cake pan and flip it upside down. Gently lift the pan off to reveal a stunning caramelized banana topping.
2. Serve warm, and if desired, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips for Best Results

• Banana Ripeness: Choose bananas that are just ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.
• Pan Size: A 9-inch round cake pan works perfectly, but you can use other shapes if desired.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate for longer freshness, although it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

Conclusion

Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of fluffy cake, sweet bananas, and gooey caramel creates a harmony of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. So grab those bananas and get baking—you won’t regret it!