This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for a delicious way to use up one ripe banana? Try this Mini Banana Upside Down Cake! It’s a delightful twist on classic desserts, offering a beautifully caramelized banana atop a fluffy, moist cake. Simple to make and quick to bake, this mini cake recipe is ideal for serving one or two. Get ready to indulge in this quick, satisfying treat that’s set to be your new favorite dessert!

a slice of banana upside down cake on a green plate next to the cake loaf on another large plate.

Explore our collection of tempting single serving and small batch recipes featuring just one banana. Enjoy our moist Banana Nut Bread, indulgent Bananas Foster, creamy Banana Pudding, and the rich, flavorful Hummingbird Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe

  • Easy Preparation: With few ingredients and simple instructions, this mini banana cake is simple to make.
  • Fast Baking: In just a short amount of time, you’ll be able to indulge in a warm, freshly-baked dessert.
  • Ideal Serving Size: Using only one banana, it’s perfectly portioned for one or two people. This cake is the ultimate solution for small-scale baking, ensuring no waste and just the right amount of indulgence.
  • Delicious Taste: The highlight of this cake is its irresistible flavor combination. The topping features sweet, caramelized bananas that perfectly complement the soft, fluffy base of the cake.

Check out our other Mini Cake Recipes for more wonderful small cake ideas!

a mini caramelized banana upside down cake on a white plate next to two bananas.

What Is An Upside Down Cake?

Upside Down Cakes are baked with a layer of fruit and sugar at the bottom. Once baked, they are inverted, revealing a glossy, caramelized fruit topping. A Banana Upside Down Cake is a twist on this concept, using ripe bananas that caramelize beautifully, resulting in a moist cake crowned with a luscious banana topping.

Ingredients

ingredients in caramelized banana upside down cake on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this banana upside down cake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Milk: Adds moisture and structure, contributing to a crisp cake crust. Whole milk is ideal, but almond, soy, or oat milk are great for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free cake.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar is key for caramelizing.
  • Vanilla: Enhances flavor. Almond extract is a good substitute if vanilla is not available.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for the cake’s rise. Use fresh baking powder for optimal results.
  • Banana: Provides flavor and aids in caramelization. Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness. Got a few extra bananas, use them in Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, or a Tropical Smoothie.
  • Egg: Critical for binding the ingredients and adding structure.
  • Salt: A small amount boosts overall flavor.
  • Butter: Melted butter is used to caramelize bananas, and softened butter in the cake adds richness. Both salted and unsalted butter work; for softened butter, leave it out for about 20 minutes until it’s cool but indents upon pressing.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

Venture beyond the basic recipe and bring in delightful twists to this already fabulous dessert.

  • Chocolate Chips: Introduce a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolaty surprise.
  • Chopped Nuts: Mix crushed walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for an added crunch.
  • Tropical Upside Down Cake: Swap bananas with thinly sliced pineapples and a dash of coconut flakes.
  • Orange Zest: Add some orange zest to the batter for a citrusy burst.
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

How To Make A Banana Upside Down Cake

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small banana upside down cake. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

Recommended Baking Dishes: For optimal results, use either a 5×5 inch or 4×6 inch baking dish. If you’re making a larger cake, double the recipe and choose from a 4.5×8.5-inch loaf pan (1.5-quart), a 7-inch round springform pan, a 6.5-inch square baking dish, or a 6×8 inch baking dish. You can find the small baking dishes on our Store page.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your chosen baking dish with butter and set it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
a small baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
  1. Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl.
brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl.
  1. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange sliced bananas on top.
sliced bananas over melted butter and brown sugar in a small baking dish.
  1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
butter and sugar mixed together in a mixing bowl.
  1. In another small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
flour, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
  1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
cake batter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Stir in the milk.
pound cake batter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Pour the batter over the banana layer, smoothing it out evenly.
cake batter poured over sliced bananas and brown sugar in a baking dish.
  1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
a banana upside down cake baking in the oven.
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a plate.
inverting a cake over a plate.
  1. Carefully lift the baking dish, allowing the cake to slide out onto the plate.
removing an upside down cake from the baking dish.

Note: This cake is best enjoyed warm. For an extra touch, sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving.

a slice of banana upside down cake on a blue plate.

Expert Tips

  • Ripeness: Ensure your banana is ripe, which will allow for optimal sweetness and caramelization.
  • Pan Size: A 5×5 or 4×6 inch dish is recommended. Too big, and the cake will be thin; too small, and it may overflow.
  • Cooling: Allow the cake to slightly cool before inverting to maintain its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Mini Banana Upside Down Cake by serving it with complementary sides. Here are some specially selected pairing suggestions:

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold contrast of ice cream complements the warm caramelized banana.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of this adds a light and airy texture.
  • Fresh Berries: Scatter a few fresh berries around the plate for added color and flavor.
  • Mint Leaves: Add a pop of color and a refreshing note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size baking dish should I use to make a small banana upside down cake?

The perfect baking dish makes a world of difference! Opt for a 5×5-inch or 4×6-inch baking dish to get the best results. For more recommendations on baking dishes suitable for single serving recipes, check out our FAQ page.

Can I use a different fruit in this upside down cake recipe?

Absolutely, you can switch it up! While this recipe is designed around a single banana, you’re more than welcome to experiment with other fruits like pineapples or berries.

What’s the best way to arrange the banana slices on the bottom of the baking dish?

Your banana slice arrangement is a matter of personal preference. The layout won’t affect taste, only appearance. I usually go for diagonal slices placed snugly against each other for a visually appealing pattern.

Will the caramel topping stick to the baking dish?

No worries about sticky situations here—the caramel should not adhere to the dish. We coat the bottom and sides of the baking dish with butter, ensuring the cake easily inverts without hitch.

Can I make a Banana Upside Down Cake in advance?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the caramelized banana topping.

How do I store leftover Banana Upside Down Cake?

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

a fork in a caramelized banana upside down cake.

Looking for the perfect individual-sized dessert? Check out our collection of single serving and mini cake recipes, each one tailor-made for those special moments when you crave a sweet treat just for you:

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this Caramelized Banana Upside Down Cake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve made this small Banana Upside Down Cake or any other recipe from One Dish Kitchen, we’d love your feedback! Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Should you snap a photo, tag us on Instagram at @onedishkitchen. We’d be thrilled to see your creation!

RELATED:  15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Mini Banana Upside Down Cake

5 from 37 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Cool: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Indulge in the perfect Mini Banana Upside Down Cake! Sized just right for one or two, this simple yet luxurious dessert features caramelized banana atop fluffy cake.

Watch How To Make This

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

For the caramelized banana

  • 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter , melted
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 medium banana , sliced

For the cake

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter , softened
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons milk
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Instructions 

Make the caramelized banana

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your chosen baking dish with butter and set it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
  • Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl.
  • Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange sliced bananas on top.

Make the cake

  • In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • In another small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
  • Stir in the milk.
  • Pour the batter over the banana layer, smoothing it out evenly.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a plate.
  • Carefully lift the baking dish, allowing the cake to slide out onto the plate.
    Note: This cake is best enjoyed warm. For an extra touch, sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Ripeness: Ensure your banana is ripe, which will allow for optimal sweetness and caramelization.
  • Pan Size: A 5×5 or 4×6 inch dish is recommended. Too big, and the cake will be thin; too small, and it may overflow.
  • Cooling: Allow the cake to slightly cool before inverting to maintain its shape.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 279kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 189mg, Potassium: 163mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 408IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!
Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!
Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie and Iโ€™m incredibly happy youโ€™re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

5 from 37 votes (15 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




71 Comments

  1. Melanie says:

    I made this last week. I made it quite late at night & had a brain fart & forgot to cream the butter & sugar so I knew I was in for a stiff, dense cake (& it was), but it didn’t affect the flavour as far as I can tell. I think next time I make this, I’ll double the banana & glaze because I’m greedy like that, & the caramelised bananas were do divine. Definitely the best bit.

    Fast to make, even if you remember to cream the butter & sugar. Definitely one to whip up without much time or thought, with a big delicious impact.

  2. Jeanette says:

    Love these recipes

  3. Cammie says:

    Just made this today and we both enjoyed it! The only thing, is next time I will cut down on the topping sugar. It was just too sweet for us. My husband said it was a keeper recipe, and just enough for us. It’ll be gone in 2 days, as opposed to a bigger cake we eat all week! This way, I can make a variety if them!
    I didn’t have the size pans you suggested, but my CorningWare 1-1/2 quart worked!
    Really enjoy your recipes, and I’m glad I found you!

  4. Karen says:

    I didn’t have a banana, but used 3/4 cup pineapple pieces, sub’d almond for vanilla extract, and used 2 Tblsp pineapple juice for the milk. Turned out very well! I really appreciate all your time, effort, and ingredient leftovers hints you include, and the recipes, well done, thanks!