Banana Upside-Down Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the rich sweetness of bananas with the irresistible flavors of caramel, then this banana upside-down cake is just what you need. The soft, moist cake is topped with luscious caramelized bananas, creating a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a special occasion, this banana upside-down cake is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it from scratch!
Ingredients for Banana Upside-Down Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 100g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 95g |
| Whole wheat flour | 105g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Greek yogurt | 160g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Baking powder | 10g |
| Bananas | 5 |
| Sugar (for caramel) | 120g |
| Butter | 40g |
| Water | 30g |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
Instructions for Preparing the Banana Upside-Down Cake
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
Start by preparing the cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add 100g of sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, add 160g of Greek yogurt and the zest of one lemon to the egg-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine 95g of all-purpose flour and 105g of whole wheat flour along with 10g of baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a tablespoon at a time. Mix carefully using the electric whisk to ensure everything is well blended and smooth.
2. Preparing the Caramel
Now, it’s time to make the luscious caramel topping. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 120g of sugar with 30g of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to heat up and cook, without stirring, until it turns into a golden-brown caramel. When it reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat and immediately add 40g of butter, stirring until the butter melts and the caramel becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Assembling the Cake
Before you begin baking, prepare your cake pan. Grease a 22cm (9-inch) round cake pan with butter, and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. Slice the bananas into thin rounds. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the bottom of the cake pan, slightly overlapping them, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center.
Pour the prepared caramel evenly over the bananas, ensuring that they are all coated. Once the bananas are covered, pour the cake batter gently on top, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure it’s even.
4. Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) for a conventional oven or 150°C (300°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you’re using a fan-assisted oven, you may need to bake for about 25 minutes, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.
5. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After this, carefully invert the cake onto a plate. Gently lift the cake pan off, revealing the beautifully caramelized bananas on top. Allow the cake to cool for a few more minutes before slicing it.
Serve your banana upside-down cake warm, or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite of this sweet, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Whether paired with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Tips for a Perfect Banana Upside-Down Cake:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the caramelized topping will be. Choose bananas that are just starting to brown for the best results.
- Watch the caramel closely: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Keep an eye on it as it cooks and remove it from the heat the moment it reaches a golden brown color.
- Serve with a side: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It enhances the richness of the cake and makes it even more delightful.
This banana upside-down cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon treat. It combines the warm comfort of baked bananas with a rich, buttery caramel, all sitting atop a moist, fluffy cake. Enjoy this recipe, and let the sweet flavors of banana and caramel transport you to a place of indulgent bliss!
