The BEST Banana Upside Down Cake

Not your average Banana Bread. This is Banana Upside Down Cake that is super moist and, basically a caramel and banana explosion in your mouth. It starts off with a simple banana cake layer then it is topped with more bananas and a caramelized coconut sugar layer that is baked to golden perfection.

I know everyone has made banana bread but have you made banana upside-down cake?

I know banana bread is a crowd favorite and an easy recipe that everyone loves. I saw so many banana bread recipes over the year when we were locked in our houses and I started to think about what I could make that was a little bit different and unique. This banana upside-down cake was it! An upgraded banana bread that had a major glow-up. came out of quarantine & had a major glow-up.

When I tell you this banana cake was gone in less than 24 hours, you know it is a winner! You first start out by making the cinnamon sugar mixture to place at the bottom of the pan that caramelizes and becomes this decadent ooey gooey caramel. Then the banana cake is layered on top which is packed with all the sweet banana flavor. The best way to describe this is a banana and caramel explosion in your mouth, which is to die for.

What makes this Banana Upside Down Cake different and unique?

• Caramel and banana explosion. YES please!
• The base is actually a caramelzed cinnamon sugar mixture that you have to flip over once baked!
• It is super moist and fluffy. Everything a banana bread resembles but more.
• Simple and healthy ingredients.
• Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free.

If you are a visual learner GoodMorningAmerica did a feature on me! We teamed up to create a video with step-by-step instructions. Watch the video here https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/food/video/move-banana-bread-make-room-banana-upside-cake-77759868.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Banana Upside-Down Cake

This cake requires stable banana bread ingredients that make it moist and fluffy. I have listed alternatives and tips as well.

• Almond Flour– I used almond flour to keep the recipe grain-free and paleo. This is a great flour I love to bake with because it does not taste like almonds but adds healthy fats as well. You can alternatively use oat flour but I do not recommend another flour as I have not tested another one yet.
• Bananas– You will need about 3-4 bananas depending on how big or small they are. This should equal out to about a cup. If your bananas are not as ripe place them in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes until it turns black.
• Nondairy Yogurt– Make sure the yogurt is thick, essentially the texture of Greek yogurt. If you are not vegan you can use Greek yogurt.
• Almond Butter– The only ingredients should be almonds. You can also use another nut butter of choice!
• Coconut Oil– This keeps the cake moist. It is also used for the cinnamon sugar mixture to create the caramel.
• Cinnamon
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Coconut Sugar– This is used in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Dark brown sugar would also work.

How To Make This Banana Upside Down Cake

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing and lining a 9in the circular pan.  
2. Next, start by making the cinnamon sugar mixture or the bottom. Combine the cinnamon sugar and melted coconut in a bowl and mix until a crumbly texture forms. Then transfer into the bottom of the pan and spread out evenly.
3. Then cut up 1 banana into coin sized pieces and place them on top of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Now to make the cake in a large bowl mash the 3 bananas until smooth, if there are a couple of chunks that is fine. Once that is mashed, add in the melted coconut oil, nondairy yogurt, vanilla, and almond butter. Mix well.
5. Lastly, fold in both flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Once that has all been combined, transfer the mixture into the pan and spread evenly over the cinnamon sugar.
7. Place it into the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  
8. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Then you can place a plate over the pan and flip it over to reveal the upside cake.

Tips

• Cooking time can vary depending on your oven so keep in mind your cake may need to bake for a longer period of time!
• It is essential to allow the cake to cool before flipping over because it needs to set.
• Store the cake in an air-tight container for a week or in the freezer for one month.
• Add more sliced banana coins at the bottom of the pan after the cinnamon mixture is spread out.
• Make sure to spread the cinnamon mixture out evenly.
• If your bananas are not as ripe place them in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes until it turns black.