For a fun and distinctive way to use bananas, try this banana upside down cake. Every time I serve this treat, someone requests the recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pecan halves
2 medium firm bananas, sliced
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
whipped cream, optional
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and butter; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook without stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Pour into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a small bowl; add bananas and stir carefully. Drain. Arrange bananas in a circular pattern over the pecans; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, eggs, lemon zest and vanilla; stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Spoon over bananas.
Bake at 375° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan; invert cake onto a serving plate. Serve with whipped cream if desired.