Banana Upside Down Cake

Are you looking for a delicious and unique cake recipe to impress your guests or just treat yourself to a delectable dessert? Look no further! The Banana Upside Down Cake is a sweet twist on the traditional upside-down cake, featuring the rich flavors of banana and caramelized brown sugar. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive celebration. Below, we’ve detailed the recipe, including ingredients and step-by-step directions, to help you create this tantalizing treat.

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 4.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• About 3 bananas, sliced into 1/4–1/3 inch rounds

For the Cake Batter:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Dash of salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preparing Your Cake Pan:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8 x 2 inch square cake pan or a 9 x 2 inch round cake pan, ensuring it has an 8 cups volume capacity.
2. Create the topping by spreading 2/3 cup brown sugar and the butter pieces on the bottom of the pan. Heat in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the butter melts. Stir to combine and spread evenly. Then, arrange the sliced bananas to cover the bottom. Set aside.

Making the Cake Batter:

1. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, a dash of salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend of ingredients will give the cake its distinctive flavor and texture.
2. In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed. This will ensure your cake is moist and tender.
4. Pour the batter over the bananas in the pan, carefully smoothing the top to ensure an even layer.

Baking the Cake:

1. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan until the bottom is barely warm. This step is crucial for the perfect texture and ease of inversion.
3. Invert the cake onto a plate to reveal the beautifully caramelized banana topping.

Adding the Final Touch with Caramel Glaze:

1. For the caramel glaze, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the glaze to thicken slightly.
3. Let the glaze sit for 1-2 minutes before pouring it over the inverted cake, adding a glossy finish and an extra layer of decadence.

Serving and Enjoyment

Slice the Banana Upside Down Cake and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. This cake not only looks impressive but also delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweet, rich flavors and moist, tender cake.

With a prep time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 55-70 minutes, this cake offers a total time of approximately 1 hour 15-30 minutes to create. It serves up to 8 people, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a family dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delightful cake is approximately 510 kcal, making it a satisfying treat that’s worth the indulgence.

Embrace the charm and sweetness of this Banana Upside Down Cake, and let it be the highlight of your next dessert table. Happy baking!

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