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Banana Brown Sugar Upside Down Cake

Learn how to make our easy banana upside down cake, featuring a caramelized brown sugar glaze and ripe bananas served warm with a moist, fluffy crumb.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • small saucepan
  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • large mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • spatula
  • wire rack
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • oven

Ingredients
  

Caramel Layer

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened divided
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 ripe bananas sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

Cake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the softened butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Immediately pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer over the caramel.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 1/4 cup of softened butter and the granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gently mix in half of the dry ingredients, then the sour cream, and finally the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth with no streaks of flour.
  • Carefully spread the cake batter over the arranged bananas in the pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake and carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Keyword banana, brown sugar, upside down cake