Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake Recipe
Start by arranging sliced bananas in a luscious caramel sauce at the bottom of a skillet. Then, pour the cake batter over the banana layer and let the magic happen in the oven. As the cake bakes, the caramelized bananas infuse their delicious essence into every bite, making this dessert a delightful symphony of flavors.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, our Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its rustic charm, combined with its irresistible taste, makes it a perfect addition to any gathering. So go ahead, dive into this delightful delight and savor the sweet satisfaction of a homemade dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
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- 1 Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Bananas, sliced
- ½ cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
- ½ Baking soda
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling.
- Carefully arrange the sliced bananas in a single layer over the caramel sauce in the skillet. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the cake batter over the banana layer in the skillet, spreading it evenly to cover the bananas. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the skillet onto a serving plate, allowing the cake to release from the skillet and revealing the beautiful caramelized banana topping.
- Serve the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips
Tips for making the perfect Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
To ensure your Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be in the cake. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel for the best results.
- Properly measure the flour: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures an accurate measurement and prevents a dense cake.
- Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake. Mix the ingredients until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Use a cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and helps create a caramelized crust on the bananas.
- Let the cake cool before inverting: Allowing the cake to cool for a few minutes in the skillet before inverting it onto a plate helps the caramel sauce set and prevents the cake from falling apart.
Nutrition
Variations and substitutions for Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
While our Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake recipe is already delicious as is, you can always experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel sauce for some extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced banana cake: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the cake batter for a cozy and aromatic twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make this cake gluten-free.
- Vegan adaptation: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk for a vegan-friendly version.
Feel free to get creative and make this Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake your own!
Serving suggestions for Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
There are many ways to enjoy your Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience:
- Top it with ice cream: Serve the warm cake with a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is pure bliss.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cake before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
- Pair it with fresh fruit: Serve slices of the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing and balanced dessert.
- Enjoy it with coffee or tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other perfectly, making it a delightful treat to enjoy during a cozy afternoon break.
Frequently asked questions about Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
- Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a round cake pan or a square baking dish instead of a skillet. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as different pans may require different baking times.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake a day in advance. Simply let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it at room temperature. Warm it up in the oven for a few minutes before serving, if desired.
- Can I freeze the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Storage and freezing instructions for Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
To store the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you have leftovers and want to freeze the cake, follow the freezing instructions mentioned above in the frequently asked questions section.
Health benefits of bananas in Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake
Bananas not only add delicious flavor to the Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake but also provide some health benefits. Here are a few:
- Good source of potassium: Bananas are known for their high potassium content, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.
- Fiber-rich: Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer.
- Natural energy boost: Bananas contain natural sugars, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which provide a quick and sustained energy boost.
- Vitamin C and B6: Bananas are rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6, which support immune function and help the body produce red blood cells.
Now that you have all the information and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking your very own Banana Upside Down Skillet Cake. This delightful dessert is sure to impress your friends and family with its caramelized banana goodness and moist texture. So go ahead, indulge in this tempting treat, and savor the sweet satisfaction of a homemade dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!