This upside-down banana cake turns ripe bananas into a caramelized topping that sits perfectly over a soft, tender cake. Simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious, it’s ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy a dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Sugar | 60 g (6 tbsp) |
| Milk | 130 ml |
| Salt | 2 g (1/2 tsp) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Cake flour or all-purpose flour | 150 g (1 1/4 cups) |
| Baking powder | 5 g (2/3 tbsp) |
| Vegetable oil | 50 ml |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 10 g |
| Raw sugar or regular sugar | 15 g (1 1/2 tbsp) |
| Ripe bananas | 2 |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Topping:
In a 20 cm (8-inch) non-stick skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts forming a light caramel, about 5 minutes. Slice the bananas into rounds and arrange them over the caramel. Let them cook gently for a few minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until light and frothy. Add milk, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Sift the flour and baking powder together, then fold gently into the wet ingredients. Stir in vegetable oil until smooth.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the batter over the caramelized bananas in the skillet, spreading it evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over very low heat for 25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s done. If needed, cook for an extra 5 minutes.
4. Cool and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool briefly. Carefully invert the skillet onto a plate to reveal the banana topping. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: Very ripe bananas caramelize beautifully and enhance flavor.
- Low Heat Cooking: Essential for even cooking and to prevent burning. Patience pays off.
- Non-Stick Skillet: Makes flipping easier and prevents sticking.
Nutritional Benefits
Bananas provide potassium, vitamins, and natural sweetness while keeping the cake moist. Using minimal butter and oil keeps this dessert lighter than traditional cakes. Enjoy in moderation for a satisfying treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick, simple, and packed with flavor, this cake impresses without complicated steps. The caramelized banana topping adds a beautiful, sweet touch to a soft, tender base—perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
