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Decadent Caramelized Banana Foster Upside Down Skillet Cake

caramelized banana foster skillet cake - featured image

A quick and easy dessert featuring caramelized bananas atop a tender, buttery cake baked in a cast-iron skillet, perfect for cozy gatherings and indulgent moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum or bourbon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts bubbling gently, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Carefully arrange the sliced bananas in a single layer atop the caramel, slightly overlapping. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and take on a deep golden color. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and optional 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large room-temperature egg with 2 tablespoons softened butter until creamy. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and whisk until well combined.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and if using, 2 tablespoons dark rum or bourbon.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Pour the batter evenly over the caramelized bananas in the skillet and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden and springs back lightly when touched.
  10. Let the skillet cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen, then invert the cake onto a large plate or cutting board.
  11. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use ripe but firm bananas for best caramelization. Keep heat moderate when making caramel to avoid burning. Let the cake cool before flipping to prevent spills. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute flour and dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana foster, skillet cake, caramelized bananas, upside down cake, easy dessert, quick cake, cast iron dessert