Serious Heat: Favorite Sweet + Heat Dessert: Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake Recipe

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350u00b0F. Make the topping: Slice bananas into 1-inch thick rounds, toss them with lemon juice, and set aside.

2. 2

   In a wide saucepan, melt the butter, sugar and spices together until thickened, bubbling and dark.

3. 3

   Remove the pan from the heat, and carefully add dark rum and orange juice-it will bubble up. Return the pan to the stove, and whisk the mixture thoroughly, then pour it into a 10-inch round cake pan.

4. 4

   Carefully arrange the banana slices on top of the caramel, and then sprinkle pecans on top of the bananas. Set aside.

5. 5

   Make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices, and set aside.

6. 6

   Using a mixer, cream butter, zest, and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl before adding the second egg. Also add the dark rum, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.

7. 7

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined-batter will look curdled-and pour into cake pan. Smooth batter with a spatula, making sure batter evenly reaches all sides of the pan.

8. 8

   Bake at 350u00b0F for 40 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in to the center comes out clean. Invert onto serving platter while still warm, and serve while still warm or at room temperature.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.