Banana Upside-Down Cake

Caramelized bananas in agave syrup and brown sugar top this amazing vegan banana upside-down cake.

Why This Recipe Works

Gooey, sweetened fruit bakes and caramelizes on the bottom of the pan as the cake is in the oven. Once the cake is flipped onto a plate the delicious fruit becomes the top of the cake for a beautiful presentation and tasty finish.

When bananas start to ripen and there's not enough time to eat them all it's time to make banana bread, maple banana pumpkin cinnamon rolls, banana bread donuts, or this delicious banana upside-down cake recipe.

Ingredients for Banana Upside-Down Cake

• Agave Nectar and Brown Sugar: The combination of agave and brown sugar creates the caramel-like flavored syrup to caramelize the bananas.
• Bananas. Any time bananas get close to being over-ripe I either bake with them or freeze them to have them available for smoothies or nice cream. Peel and freeze individual bananas in plastic zipper bags. Individual bananas can be moved to a larger container in the freezer once they are completely frozen.
• Orange Juice: Brightens up the flavor of this vegan cake. It can also keep the bananas from turning brown.
• Plant-Based Milk: Pick your favorite.
• Natural Vanilla Extract: I recommend pure vanilla extract.

How to Make Banana Upside-Down Cake

Always begin by preheating your oven and getting the cake pan ready. Then, heat up a skillet and add the banana slices with agave nectar and brown sugar to get the bananas starting to caramelize properly. Remove these from the heat and layer them on the bottom of your cake pan.

Once your bananas are ready, mix the cake batter and pour it over the banana layer. You will want to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and then combine the two mixtures in a large bowl to form the cake batter. Bake your cake for 30-35 minutes.

A toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake may or may not come out perfectly clean because of the bananas, but you should be able to look for uncooked batter. Carefully invert the finished cake onto a serving platter to cool before serving. Serve warm or cold.

How to Serve This Cake

One of our favorite ways to eat a banana upside-down cake is hot with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. You can also serve the cake with homemade coconut whipped cream, an iced latte, or a cold brew coffee.

Storage

How to Store Banana Upside Down Cake?

Storing leftover cake is easy! Just cover the cake plate with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for three or four days. If you have already removed it from the cake pan so that the sides are exposed, cut individual slices and store the caramelized banana upside-down cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three or four days. The caramelization may cause the cake to get soggy on the top but it will still be tasty. Heat the banana cake in the microwave before eating.

Can you freeze the banana upside-down cake?

Yes. Freeze individual servings in airtight containers for up to three months. or wrap in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw to serve.

FAQ

What's an upside-down cake?

The top of the cake bakes in the bottom of the pan and is then flipped over to reveal a caramelized fruit which becomes the top of the cake.

When was the upside-down cake invented?

The original recipe was for upside-down pineapple cake, but today we have all kinds from apple upside-down cake also called a Tarte Tatin, to peach upside-down cake, and of course, this recipe. The popularity of an upside-down cake method came from a contest sponsored by the Dole company in the mid-1920s for using their canned pineapple in a recipe. They received thousands of entries for the pineapple upside-down cake or skillet cake. They ran ads using the idea and drastically increased the popularity of this cake.

Can you make an upside-down cake ahead of time?

Yes. The cake can be made ahead of time and served cold with coconut whipped cream. Keep it in the refrigerator until you need it. You can also make it ahead of time and then heat up individual plates in the microwave one at a time for those who prefer the cake hot with vegan ice cream.

Do you eat Banana Upside-Down Cake warm or cold?

Either. It can be successfully served warm with ice cream or cold with whipped cream; both are equally delicious. Pick your preference.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Banana Upside-Down Cake

• As you arrange bananas on the bottom of your cake pan, don't worry if they break in half or aren't perfectly arranged because they will still turn out lovely.
• If you remove the cake from the pan to a serving plate and some of the bananas stick to the cake pan, simply remove them carefully and arrange them on the cake to fill in bare spots.
• Scrape out any extra syrup from the bottom of the cake pan and pour it over the cake evenly.

Variations for Banana Upside-Down Cake

• Add almonds or walnuts to the batter if you enjoy nuts in your cake.
• Add poppy seeds for a fun texture and added nutritional value.
• If you do not have bananas, you can use this same baking method with apples, peaches, or pineapple for different desserts. These are other upside-down cakes that are fairly common and work well.
• Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture for a flavor variation.

More Banana Recipes to Try

• Banana Bread Cake Donut Recipe
• Easy Maple Banana Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Peanut Butter and Banana Mini Muffins
• Blueberry Banana Matcha Waffle