Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Sheet Pan Cake
A moist vanilla cake topped with caramelized bananas and brown sugar, baked upside down on a sheet pan for easy serving. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers divided unsalted butter, packed dark brown sugar, medium sliced lengthwise ripe bananas into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp divided unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3 medium sliced lengthwise ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13-inch sheet pan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat, then stir in 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar until smooth and bubbling; arrange 3 medium sliced ripe bananas evenly over the caramel mixture.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then add 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk to the wet ingredients in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly over the banana and caramel layer in the sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a large serving plate so the caramelized bananas are on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Sheet Pan Cake take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Sheet Pan Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Sheet Pan Cake?
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 Sheet Pan Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Sheet Pan Cake?
American 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.
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