If you’ve ever had a pineapple upside-down cake, imagine that buttery, caramelized goodness—but made with ripe, golden bananas. This Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and topped with slices of bananas soaked in a sticky-sweet caramel glaze. The best part? It’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or want a crowd-pleasing dessert for a family gathering or brunch, this cake hits all the right notes. It’s soft, tender, topped with caramelized fruit, and has just the right balance of sweet and buttery flavor.

Let’s walk through every step of making this dreamy banana cake—plus plenty of tips to make sure it comes out perfect every time.

What Makes This Banana Upside Down Cake So Special?

Unlike banana bread, which is dense and rustic, this upside-down cake is light, moist, and beautifully elegant. The bananas melt into a caramel topping as they bake, creating a sticky-sweet layer that becomes the top of the cake when flipped.

Here’s why it stands out:

Uses pantry staples and overripe bananas
Gorgeous presentation without complicated techniques
Moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth
Sweet caramel topping infused with banana flavor
Great for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want to impress

Once you try this banana upside down cake recipe, you’ll be finding excuses to make it all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Upside Down Cake

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, and you probably already have most of them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Caramel Banana Topping:
⅓ cup unsalted butter
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2–3 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds or thin strips

For the Cake Batter:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1 mashed ripe banana

Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for a warm flavor boost

The caramel and banana topping sets this cake apart and makes it one of the most delicious banana cake recipes with a twist.

Kitchen Tools Required for This Recipe

Before you begin, gather the tools you’ll need:

9-inch round cake pan or square pan
Medium saucepan (for the caramel topping)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack for cooling
Knife and cutting board (for slicing bananas)

A nonstick or well-greased pan is key here—this helps the cake release beautifully after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banana Upside Down Cake

Step 1 – Make the caramel topping
In a small saucepan, melt ⅓ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbling. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your greased cake pan.

Step 2 – Arrange the bananas
Carefully lay sliced bananas over the caramel in a single layer. You can use rounds or long strips for a more dramatic look. This will be the top of your cake once flipped.

Step 3 – Preheat oven and prep dry ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4 – Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla, sour cream, milk, and mashed banana until combined.

Step 5 – Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix, or the cake can become dense.

Step 6 – Pour batter over bananas
Carefully spoon the batter over the banana-caramel layer in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7 – Bake the cake
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly pulled away from the sides.

Step 8 – Cool and invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, place a plate or cake stand over the top, and flip the cake carefully. Tap the pan to help release it.

Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for a Perfect Banana Caramel Topping

Use ripe bananas—they should be soft with brown spots for the best flavor.
Slice bananas evenly so they cook at the same rate and create a beautiful pattern.
Don’t overcook the caramel—it should be melted and slightly bubbly, not too thick or dark.
Grease the cake pan thoroughly, even if it’s nonstick, to help the cake release easily.
Invert while warm—waiting too long can cause the caramel to stick.

These tricks will help ensure your banana upside down cake looks as good as it tastes.

How to Know When Your Cake is Perfectly Baked

Use these signs to know when your cake is ready:

The top is golden brown and slightly domed
The edges begin to pull away from the pan
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs
The cake springs back lightly when touched

If your oven runs hot or cold, start checking around the 40-minute mark.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins You Can Try

Want to get creative? Here are some variations to try:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for a nutty crunch
Sprinkle cinnamon or cardamom into the cake batter for warm spice
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a banana-chocolate combo
Use rum extract or a splash of dark rum for a boozy flavor
Substitute some of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist

This banana upside down cake recipe is endlessly adaptable while keeping its signature caramelized top.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Upside Down Cake

This cake is rich, moist, and flavorful on its own—but a few additions can elevate it further:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Add a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to balance the sweetness
Serve with coffee or chai for a cozy dessert pairing

It’s a perfect treat for brunch, dessert tables, or cozy nights in.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store:
Cool the cake completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat:
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh the texture.

Warming the cake slightly helps bring back the gooey caramel topping.

Can You Freeze Banana Upside Down Cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake with excellent results.

To freeze:
Cool completely, wrap the entire cake (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To thaw:
Unwrap and let thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat as needed.

If freezing the whole cake, freeze before inverting, then thaw and flip before serving for best texture and appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Upside Down Cakes

Overmixing the batter – this can lead to a dense, rubbery cake
Using underripe bananas – they won’t caramelize or taste sweet enough
Waiting too long to flip the cake – it can stick and break apart
Overbaking – dry cake won’t pair well with the soft caramel topping
Using too much banana in the batter – it can make the cake too wet

Avoid these issues to ensure a picture-perfect dessert every time.

FAQ: Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but thaw and drain off excess liquid before using.

Why is my topping sticking to the pan?
You may have waited too long to flip. Always invert the cake while it’s still warm and the caramel is soft.

Can I make it in a square pan?
Absolutely! A 9×9-inch square pan works just as well.

Final Thoughts: A Lush, Moist, Caramel Banana Cake Everyone Will Love

This Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe is a rich, moist, and stunning dessert that delivers everything you want in a homemade cake. With its gooey caramelized banana topping and soft vanilla cake base, it’s an easy yet impressive bake that looks and tastes like a bakery treat.

Perfect for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or simply because you have ripe bananas to use, this cake is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s warm, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying.