Banana Upside-Down Chocolate Cake

Banana Upside-Down Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

For the Caramelized Bananas:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 4-5 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Caramelize the Bananas:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved and bubbly.
   • Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
   • Arrange the banana halves, cut side down, over the caramel in a single layer.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
   • Gradually add the hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly over the caramelized bananas in the cake pan.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
6. Invert the Cake:
   • Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
   • Place a serving plate upside down over the pan, then carefully invert the cake onto the plate.
   • Let the cake sit for a few minutes before lifting the pan off.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade banana upside-down chocolate cake!