This decadent yet simple stovetop dessert features a tender vanilla sponge topped with sticky, golden caramelized bananas. It gives a bakery-style upside-down cake result without needing an oven—just a frying pan and about 40 minutes. The butter and sugar caramelize the bananas while the cake gently steams to a soft crumb.
Recipe Overview
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
- ⌛ Total Time: 40 minutes
- 🍽 Course: Dessert / Snack
- 🌍 Method: Stovetop Baking
Yield (Slices):
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 60 g sugar
- 130 ml milk
- 2 g salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 g cake or all-purpose flour
- 5 g baking powder
- 50 ml neutral oil
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 10 g unsalted butter
- 15 g unrefined sugar (for caramel)
Method
- Whisk Base: In a bowl, whisk 1 egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Pour in milk and oil; whisk to combine.
- Add Dry: Sift flour and baking powder into the wet mix. Fold gently with a spatula just until dry streaks disappear. Do not overmix.
- Caramel Base: Place a cold 20cm (8-inch) non-stick pan on the stove. Spread butter across the base and sprinkle unrefined sugar evenly.
- Layer Bananas: Arrange banana slices cut-side down over the butter-sugar layer.
- Steam-Bake: Pour batter over bananas and smooth the top. Cover with a tight lid and cook on very low heat for 25 minutes.
- Flip: Check if the top is set. Run a spatula around edges, invert onto a plate, then slide back into the pan (banana side up). Cook for 4–6 more minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate, slice, and serve warm.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Pan Size: Use a 20cm pan. Larger pans will result in a very thin, dry cake.
- Heat Control: If you hear loud sizzling, the heat is too high. Use a heat diffuser if necessary to prevent burning.
- Sugar: Brown or unrefined sugar gives a much better caramel flavor and color than white sugar.
Nutritional Info (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~270 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 4g
Values are approximate.
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This No-Oven Caramelized Banana Cake is proof that you don't need fancy equipment to bake a delicious cake. With just one pan and simple pantry ingredients, you can create a soft, sticky, and sweet treat that is perfect for tea time or a quick dessert.
Tags:
Desserts