Easy Upside-down Banana Cake Recipe

Hey there, friend!

You know those moments when the kitchen smells like comfort, and the world feels just a little slower and sweeter? That’s exactly the kind of magic this Easy Upside-Down Banana Cake brings to life. It’s a recipe that’s close to my heart — simple, soulful, and packed with the sunlit goodness of ripe bananas.

I still remember the first time I baked this cake. It was one of those cozy Sunday afternoons when my fruit bowl held more spotty bananas than I could eat, and I was feeling nostalgic for the banana-laden cakes my grandma used to make. She didn’t have fancy mixers or gadgets, just a wooden spoon, a few humble ingredients, and a knack for turning the simplest produce into something unforgettable.

The result? A golden, caramel-kissed banana cake that’s soft, moist, and absolutely impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for family brunch, a weekend get-together, or just because your bananas are calling out to be loved, this recipe is here to make your kitchen smell like home.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake:

Fresh, seasonal ingredients: ripe bananas are the stars, and the riper, the better!
No fancy tools required — just a bowl, a whisk, and a little love.
Versatile and forgiving — swap ingredients to suit your pantry and dietary needs.
Stunning presentation, zero stress — the caramelized banana topping does all the heavy lifting!

Ingredients:

For the topping:

3 ripe bananas (sliced lengthwise or into coins)
½ cup brown sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter

For the cake batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 ripe bananas, mashed

Let’s Get Baking!

Step 1: Caramelize the Bananas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and brown sugar together in a small saucepan over low heat until it bubbles into a smooth caramel. Pour it into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.

Arrange your sliced bananas over the caramel in a single, beautiful layer. Don’t worry about perfection — the more rustic, the more charming!

Step 2: Make the Batter

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, combine the sugars, oil, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and mashed bananas. Mix until smooth and happy.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Overmixing will make the cake dense — and we want that cloud-like crumb!

Step 3: Bake!

Pour the batter over the caramel banana layer. Smooth the top and pop the pan into the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the house smells like a tropical daydream.

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then, with one deep breath and a steady hand, invert it onto a serving plate. Watching that golden caramel drip down the sides is pure kitchen therapy!

Make It Yours:

Vegan-friendly swap: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt.
Gluten-free twist: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Nutty variation: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts over the banana layer before pouring the batter.

The Full Experience:

This cake is a feast for the senses — the caramel glistens like golden syrup, the bananas soften into melt-in-your-mouth bliss, and the crumb is tender, moist, and lightly spiced with vanilla and banana sweetness. It’s the kind of cake that makes you linger a little longer at the table.

Let’s Bake Together!

If you give this Easy Upside-Down Banana Cake a try, I’d love to hear all about it! Snap a picture, share your tweaks, or tell me who you baked it for — drop your thoughts in the comments below. Nothing makes me happier than knowing these recipes become part of your own kitchen stories.

Until then, happy baking, friend!