Hey y'all! If you’re craving a spectacular dessert that’s sure to wow friends and family, this Banana Foster Upside Down Cake is your new best friend. Imagine gooey caramelized bananas, hints of cinnamon and rum, and a tender, ultra-moist cake—all in one upside-down masterpiece. It's perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or any night you want a little nostalgic Southern flair. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Irresistibly gooey caramelized banana topping with rich, buttery notes.
Infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of dark rum for extra depth.
Show-worthy presentation with minimal effort—just flip and serve!
Use up overripe bananas in a creative and delicious way.
Perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 medium bananas, ripe but firm, sliced lengthwise
2 tablespoons dark rum
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Foster Topping

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until bubbling and melted, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in the dark rum (careful, it may bubble!) and pour the mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Arrange banana slices, cut side down, over the caramel sauce in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat the remaining ¼ cup butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light, about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Mix in sour cream.
On low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and milk in three additions, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Gently spread the batter over the bananas in the cake pan.
Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Peel off parchment if needed.

Notes

For an extra-decadent flavor, use overripe bananas for the topping.
Ensure your cake pan is at least 2 inches deep to avoid overflow.
Let the cake rest before flipping so the caramel sets just enough for a clean release.

Variations

Pecan Crunch: Add ½ cup roughly chopped pecans to the caramel and banana layer for extra crunch.
Sauce-Free: Skip the rum and double the vanilla for an alcohol-free version.
Mini Cakes: Prepare in muffin tins for personal-sized upside-down cakes—bake for about 18–20 minutes.

Required Equipment

9-inch round cake pan (at least 2 inches deep)
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Spatula
Cooling rack

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Banana Foster Upside Down Cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices briefly in the microwave for best flavor.
Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with strong coffee, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine.
For a festive touch, drizzle with extra caramel sauce or a dash of cinnamon on top.

Pro Tips

Room temperature ingredients make for a smoother, fluffier cake batter.
If you don’t have dark rum, substitute with bourbon or omit for alcohol-free.
Use a serrated knife to slice for perfect, clean portions.

FAQ

Can I make Banana Foster Upside Down Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance. Just let it cool, then cover and store at room temperature. Warm before serving if desired.

What if I don’t have rum?

No problem! Substitute with 1 extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or use a bit of bourbon for a similar flavor.

Can I use a different pan?

A 9-inch square pan also works, but make sure it’s at least 2 inches deep. The bake time should stay about the same.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes