Upside-down banana cake

Upside-down banana cake: a sweet and fragrant delight

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that combines the sweet flavors of bananas with the fluffy texture of cake, you have come to the right place! The upside-down banana cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a party with friends, or simply a relaxing afternoon at home. This recipe is easy to make and, in addition, is a great way to use overripe bananas.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 medium bananas (or 3 giant bananas, depending on what you have on hand)
- 5 tablespoons of honey
- 75 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 100 g fine white sugar
- 175 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 70 g chopped nuts

Making the upside-down banana cake is a pleasant experience, and the steps below will lead you to a perfect result.

Step 1: Preparing the pan
Start by lining a baking dish (about 20x30 cm) with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, pour the 5 tablespoons of honey into the pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Arranging the bananas
Slice the bananas into thick slices of about 1 cm and place them cut-side down on the layer of honey. Try to cover the bottom of the pan as evenly as possible so that each slice of banana contributes to the final appearance of the dessert.

Step 3: Preparing the cake mixture
In a blender, add the soft butter and white sugar. Blend until you achieve a creamy mixture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and the remaining bananas (almost mashed) and continue blending until well combined.

Step 4: Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and chopped nuts. This combination will provide a delicious taste and texture to your cake.

Step 5: Combining the mixtures
Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a mixer on low speed until everything is well incorporated. The batter will have a thick and sticky consistency, perfect for holding the bananas.

Step 6: Baking the cake
Pour the batter into the pan, being careful not to disturb the layer of bananas underneath. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 45 minutes. After the first 20 minutes of baking, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees. It is very important to check if it is baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean from the center of the cake, it is ready.

Step 7: Inverting and serving
Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan, then carefully invert it onto a platter. Remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely. You can serve the upside-down cake with sweet cream, whipped cream, or whole nuts for an extra texture.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer an even more intense banana flavor, you can add a few banana slices on top of the batter before baking.
- If you don’t like nuts, you can replace them with dark chocolate or coconut flakes for a tropical version.
- This cake can be stored well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

Nutritional benefits:
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a healthy ingredient for desserts. Nuts add protein and healthy fats, while honey provides a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than white sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.
2. How can I make the dessert lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or honey, or use a natural sweetener to lower the calorie count.

This upside-down banana cake will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy to your days. Enjoy!