1. Prepare the Caramelized Bananas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 square baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and forms a smooth sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange the banana slices on top of the caramel in a single layer, covering the entire bottom.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake tough.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter over the banana slices and caramel in the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. Run a knife around the edges of the cake to help release it from the pan.
5. Serve:
- Serve the upside-down banana cake warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter before baking, or drizzle the cake with a bit of honey once it’s out of the oven. This super simple upside-down banana cake is an easy dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort!