Banana Upside Down Cake (Print Format)

Light and flavorful banana cake with caramelized topping, easy to make and great for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Topping

01 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
03 - 3-4 medium bananas, sliced ½-inch thick

→ Cake

04 - 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
06 - ¼ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
08 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 large egg, room temperature
10 - 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - ½ cup milk
12 - Powdered sugar or Cool Whip for topping (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch high-sided round or springform pan with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar; spread evenly in bottom of prepared pan. Arrange banana slices in an even layer over the brown sugar mixture.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In another bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
04 - Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until combined; batter will appear crumbly. Gradually add milk and beat until fully incorporated.
05 - Spoon batter over banana layer and gently spread using an offset spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and top is golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven; allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges to loosen, then invert onto a serving platter.
07 - Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and optionally serve with a dollop of Cool Whip.

# Tips:

01 - Use the toothpick test to ensure doneness; insert a toothpick in the center and bake longer if wet batter remains. Letting cake cool 5-10 minutes before inverting allows the brown sugar topping to set.
02 - Cutting bananas thicker (½-inch) prevents them from falling apart after baking.
03 - Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days. Freezing is not recommended.
04 - Allow all ingredients, especially the egg, to reach room temperature for lighter texture.