Banana Upside Down Cake (Printable View)

Classic banana upside down cake with caramel glaze, moist crumb, and sweet banana topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Brown Sugar Base

01 - 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
02 - 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

→ Banana Layer

03 - 3 bananas, sliced into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick rounds

→ Cake Batter

04 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
10 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
13 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
14 - 1 pinch salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Glaze

16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
18 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8 x 2 inch square cake pan or 9 x 2 inch round cake pan. Evenly spread brown sugar and butter pieces along the base.
02 - Arrange the banana slices in a single, overlapping layer over the brown sugar and butter mixture at the bottom of the pan.
03 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
04 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and Greek yogurt or sour cream. Fold in mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
05 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing for optimal crumb.
06 - Pour batter evenly over banana layer. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate, allowing the banana and brown sugar layer to be displayed on top.
08 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until glaze is smooth.
09 - Drizzle approximately two-thirds of the caramel glaze evenly over the cake while still warm. Use reserved glaze to sauce individual slices upon serving. Garnish with optional toasted pecans, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream if desired.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For best flavor, use bananas with significant speckling on the peel. Ensure the cake is thoroughly cooled before inverting to prevent tearing.