Killer Upside-Down Banana Walnut Cake Recipe

Name: Killer Upside-Down Banana Walnut Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: TOPPING; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup butter (no subs); 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (toasted preferably); 4 large ripe bananas, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices; CAKE; 1 cup flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup half-and-half cream or 1/2 cup full-fat milk

Servings: persons

TOPPING
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup butter (no subs)
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (toasted preferably)
4 large ripe bananas, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices
CAKE
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup half-and-half cream or 1/2 cup full-fat milk

1
Set oven to 325 degrees.
2
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (make certain to spray the bottom of the pan generously with non-stick cooking spray).
3
For the topping: in a heavy-bottom saucepan combine sugar and butter; stir over low heat until butter melts and the mixture is well blended.
4
Pour into cake pan, and spread to coat the bottom of the pan.
5
Drizzle the maple syrup over the butter/sugar mixture, then sprinkle with chopped nuts.
6
Place the long banana slices in concentric circles on top of the nuts, overlapping slightly but covering the bottom.
7
For the cake: stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl.
8
Beat in sugar and butter in another bowl until creamy (about 3-4 minutes).
9
Add in egg and vanilla; beat until smooth, light and fluffy.
10
beat in flour mixture alternately with milk.
11
Spoon the batter over the bananas in the pan.
12
Bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until cakes tests done.
13
Transfer cake to a rack and run a knife around the sides of the pan.
14
Cool cake for 30 minutes.
15
Place a plate over pan and invert onto plate.
16
Let stand 3 minutes upside-down with plate on top, then gently lift off pan.
17
Serve with whipped cream.

1110

kcal

Calories

Fat

159

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: TOPPING, 1 cup light brown sugar, packed, 1/4 cup butter (no subs), 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and more.

Yes, Killer Upside-Down Banana Walnut Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Killer Upside-Down Banana Walnut Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions