Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum
Moist vanilla cake layered with caramelized bananas infused with spiced rum, creating a luscious upside-down dessert perfect for dinner parties. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes pairs (115g), divided unsalted butter, (150g), divided brown sugar, light spiced rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g), divided unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g), divided brown sugar
- 3 large, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp light spiced rum
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter over low heat, then sprinkle 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar evenly over the butter. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until bubbling.
- Step 2: Arrange 3 large sliced bananas (1/4-inch rounds) in a single layer over the caramel, then drizzle 2 tbsp light spiced rum evenly on top. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar with 1/4 cup (57g) softened unsalted butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter gently over the banana layer in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized bananas are on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (150g), divided brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake with Rum?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
