Banana Foster Upside Down Cake
This Banana Foster Upside Down Cake combines caramelized bananas, buttery brown sugar caramel, and a soft vanilla cake for an easy homemade dessert inspired by the famous New Orleans classic. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream for holidays, brunch, or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Foster Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
Optional
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan and arrange the banana slices evenly over the top.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Carefully spread the batter over the bananas.
- Bake for 38–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter while still warm so the caramel flows over the cake.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the sweetest flavor.
- Flip the cake while it’s still warm for the best caramel topping.
- Toasted pecans add a delicious crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Warm individual slices for 15–20 seconds in the microwave before serving.