Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake Recipe

If you love the cozy combination of bananas and peanut butter, you’re about to meet your new favorite: Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake. Picture this: silky caramelized bananas nestled into a rich, peanut buttery cake, all baked up golden in a Bundt pan and flipped for the most beautiful (and delicious) reveal. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and just different enough to impress every guest at your table. Whether you’re after a show-stopper for brunch or a night-in treat, this cake will quickly become a treasured recipe in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each one has a purpose in the Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake. From the creamy richness of butter to the tang of buttermilk, every component adds a little something special to the flavor, color, or texture.

• Butter: Adds classic richness and helps create that irresistibly moist crumb and luscious caramel layer.
• Light brown sugar: Provides that deep, caramelly sweetness for both the topping and the cake itself.
• Banana: Choose a perfectly ripe one for slices that hold their shape and melt beautifully into the topping.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the delicate banana and peanut flavors.
• Egg & egg yolk: Give the cake structure, richness, and added tenderness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Lends warmth and brings out the best in all the other flavors.
• Cake flour: Keeps the crumb light and soft, letting the banana and peanuts truly shine.
• PB2 Organic Powdered Peanut Butter: Delivers all the peanut flavor without making the cake dense or heavy.
• Baking soda & baking powder: The dynamic duo for lift, ensuring the cake bakes up fluffy and tall.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor note.
• Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and keeps the crumb incredibly tender and moist.

How to Make Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake

Step 1: Caramelize the Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and generously greasing your Bundt pan. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Whisk this over medium heat until the butter melts and everything bubbles up nicely. Let it boil for about 30 seconds, stirring as you go to keep things smooth and glossy. Carefully pour this liquid gold into your prepared Bundt pan, twisting the pan to help the caramel cover the bottom evenly. Next, arrange your banana slices on top of the caramel in a neat line around the pan—those slices will become your beautiful topping once the cake is flipped out!

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and sift together the cake flour, PB2 Organic Powdered Peanut Butter, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake bakes up with a super tender, even crumb. Plus, sifting helps keep lumps out and blends the peanut butter flavor smoothly throughout the cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your mixer bowl, beat the 1/2 cup room temperature butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy. This is a key step for a light texture. Once they’re combined, add in the vanilla, whole egg, and egg yolk, mixing just until everything is smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

To your creamed mixture, add half of your sifted dry ingredients and mix gently. With the mixer on low, pour in half the buttermilk. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk. You want a just-unified, smooth batter—don’t overmix! This is your moment to set the stage for a flavorful, fluffy Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Gently spoon the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, making sure not to disturb or displace the banana slices nestled in caramel. Spread the batter evenly for a consistent bake. Pop it in the oven for 45-55 minutes; your kitchen will smell divine and a tester poked into the center should come out clean when done. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 45 minutes, then run a knife around the edges, set a plate over the pan, and invert for that glorious upside-down moment.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake

Garnishes

The cake is a true showstopper on its own, but why not take it over the top? Crown each slice with a dollop of stabilized or freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts, or even a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a decadent finish. The toppings let you customize each slice for any guest or craving.

Side Dishes

This cake absolutely shines at brunch buffets or afternoon teas. Pair it with a mug of rich coffee, a chai latte, or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. For a fresh twist, serve alongside tart berries or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt—the contrast is sensational and keeps each bite interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

Lean into the upside-down magic! Serve individual cakelets baked in mini Bundt pans for a personal touch at parties. For special occasions, layer slices with gooey peanut caramel and caramelized banana in a parfait glass. Or, crumble leftover Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake over ice cream for a swoon-worthy sundae—there’s no end to how you can make this cake the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake, lucky you! Simply wrap slices tightly in plastic or foil and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep perfectly moist and luscious for up to five days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, making it ideal for planning ahead or saving a surprise treat for another day. Once completely cool, wrap individual slices in plastic and stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just be sure to let slices thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For warm, just-baked vibes, gently microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. If you’re serving a crowd, cover the whole (or half) leftover Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This quick reheat brings the crumb right back to its tender, melty best.

FAQs

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of PB2 powder?

For this recipe, powdered peanut butter works best because it adds tons of authentic peanut butter flavor without weighing down the cake. Classic creamy peanut butter can make the batter heavy and dense. If you don’t have PB2, you might substitute another powdered nut butter, but expect slightly different results.

Why a Bundt pan for this cake?

The Bundt pan isn’t just for looks—it allows the caramel and bananas to wrap around the entire cake, so every bite gets a bit of magic. Plus, the shape helps the cake bake evenly and gives you those irresistible, crispy edges. If you don’t have a Bundt, a deep round cake pan will work, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I make Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free cake flour blend and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The cake stays tender and delightful, with all the banana-peanut goodness intact.

What’s the secret to removing the cake from the pan?

Patience is key. Let the cake cool in the pan for the full 45 minutes—it helps the caramel firm up a little without sticking. Running a thin knife along the edges before inverting onto a plate also helps avoid breakage. If a banana slice sticks behind, simply lift it off and press it back into place as a decorative touch.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! If you have a larger Bundt pan or want to bake two cakes side by side, simply double the ingredients. Baking time may increase slightly; always rely on a tester in the center to check doneness. Your guests will be thrilled with extra slices of Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake to go around!

Final Thoughts

Few desserts are as comforting or impressive as a homemade Peanut Butter Upside-Down Banana Cake. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the flavor, or the show-stopping reveal, this recipe brings joy to any occasion. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and bake this treat to share—it might just become your new go-to cake for every celebration!

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