Description
Banana Upside Down Cake
If you love banana bread, this Banana Upside Down Cake will win your heart! Rich in flavor, it combines mashed bananas with a caramel glaze and toasted pecans on top. Perfect for a delicious dessert or even an indulgent breakfast! It’s made extra moist with Greek yogurt, making it a satisfying treat that brings together the best of cake and banana bread.
2/3 cup brown sugar
4.5 tbsp butter
3 bananas, sliced
1 cup flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 eggs, etc.
Directions:
1. Cream butter & sugar.
2. Add ingredients, pour over bananas, and bake at 350°F for 30 mins.
3. Drizzle with caramel glaze.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Kcal: 280 per slice
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Make the Caramel Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4.5 tbsp of butter with the 2/3 cup brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly, about 3-4 minutes. Pour this caramel evenly into the bottom of your prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange the Bananas: Place the sliced bananas in a single, attractive layer over the caramel. Sprinkle with a handful of toasted pecans if desired.
4. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining butter and sugar for the cake base until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the Greek yogurt and mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged bananas in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for only 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges, place a serving plate over the pan, and confidently flip it over. Let the pan sit for a minute before lifting it off to reveal the caramel-glazed top.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavors beautifully. For breakfast, a simple side of Greek yogurt or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly.
How-to Summary
Create a caramel glaze in the cake pan, top with sliced bananas, pour a moist banana-yogurt batter over it, and bake. After a brief cool, invert the pan to reveal a stunning, gooey-topped cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
My caramel hardened too much. What went wrong? This can happen if the sugar-butter mixture is cooked too long. Ensure you only cook it until dissolved and bubbly, not until it reaches a hard-crack stage.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake and invert the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature. Gently re-warm slices in the microwave for the best texture.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? Sour cream or plain regular yogurt are excellent 1:1 substitutes that will maintain the cake’s moisture.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when I invert it? The 10-minute cooling window is crucial. Cooling too long will let the caramel set and stick. Also, ensure you properly grease the pan sides before adding the caramel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid over-mixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this leads to a tough cake. Do not let the cake cool completely in the pan, or the caramel will cement it in place. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rise. Finally, slice the bananas evenly so they cook uniformly and create a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
This Banana Upside Down Cake is a spectacular twist on classic banana bread, offering impressive visual appeal with its glossy caramel topping and the deep, comforting flavor of ripe bananas. Its reliable, moist texture makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. By following this enhanced guide and tips, you’re guaranteed a stunning and delicious bake that perfectly marries simplicity with indulgence.