Banana upside-down cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that marries the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, buttery cake. This simple yet elegant treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. The image you provided inspires a mouth-watering recipe for this classic dessert. Here’s how to make this delicious banana upside-down cake.
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 3-4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Topping
- Melt the Butter and Sugar:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This will create a caramel-like sauce.
- Pour the Caramel:
- Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9-inch round or square baking pan, spreading it evenly to coat the entire bottom.
- Arrange the Bananas:
- Place the banana halves cut side down on top of the caramel sauce. Arrange them neatly, ensuring they cover the entire bottom of the pan.
Making the Cake Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If using, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Nuts:
- If using, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Assembling and Baking the Cake
- Pour the Batter:
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the bananas in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the caramel set slightly, making it easier to invert the cake.
Serving the Cake
- Invert the Cake:
- Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully flip it over. The cake should release easily, with the bananas now on top, glistening with the caramel sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the banana upside-down cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for a Perfect Banana Upside-Down Cake
- Use Ripe Bananas:
- Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, making them perfect for this cake. Ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
- Evenly Spread the Caramel:
- Make sure to evenly spread the caramel sauce in the pan to prevent any areas from sticking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix:
- Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness:
- Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Variations to Try
- Tropical Twist:
- Add a layer of pineapple slices under the bananas for a tropical flavor.
- Spiced Banana Cake:
- Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced cake.
- Chocolate Banana Cake:
- Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich chocolate twist.
- Nutty Banana Cake:
- Add a crunchy layer by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the bananas.
This banana upside-down cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel and bananas with a moist, buttery cake. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful cake with your loved ones!
