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Slice of chocolate peanut butter banana cake with caramelized banana topping and moist chocolate crumb

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Upside Down Cake is a rich dessert with a moist chocolate crumb, creamy peanut butter accents, and a caramelized banana topping. It is a comforting choice for gatherings or when you want an impressive homemade treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
Cake batter
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened, divided
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
Upside down topping
  • 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 bananas, halved lengthwise

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C and lightly grease the sides of a 9x13 glass baking dish.
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl and whisk until evenly mixed.
  3. Beat 2 sticks of softened butter with the granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs individually to the butter mixture, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
  5. Mix the flour mixture and milk into the batter until just combined.
Assembly
  1. Combine the remaining 1 stick of softened butter with the brown sugar, then spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Place the banana halves cut-side down over the brown sugar mixture.
  3. Add spoonfuls of chunky peanut butter around the bananas, then spread the chocolate cake batter into the open areas.
Baking
  1. Bake the cake at 350°F / 175°C for 45 minutes.
  2. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, loosen the edges with a knife, and carefully turn it out onto a platter.
  3. Let the cake cool slightly, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes before inverting so the caramelized topping has time to set.