Upside Down German Chocolate Banana Cake
Indulge in this Upside Down German Chocolate Banana Cake, featuring a luscious toasted coconut pecan topping. This decadent dessert combines a soft, fudgy, and moist chocolate banana cake base with the rich flavors of traditional German chocolate cake. Perfect for any occasion, this unique twist on a classic favorite is sure to impress.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Dark brown sugar
Salted butter
Cinnamon
Salt
Pecan halves
Shredded coconut
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Ripe bananas, mashed
All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Optional: semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Tips for making an Upside Down German Chocolate Banana Cake:
Use Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe with brown spots. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Prepare Topping First: Make the toasted coconut pecan topping first and spread it evenly in the bottom of your baking pan. This ensures a uniform, caramelized layer when you flip the cake.
Even Layering: Spread the topping ingredients evenly to avoid clumps and ensure that each slice has a balanced mix of coconut and pecans.
Proper Mixing: Whisk the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
Fold in Bananas Gently: Mash the bananas well and fold them gently into the batter to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake dense.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and greek yogurt or sour cream to ensure they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more consistent texture.
Avoid Overbaking: Check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking can dry out the cake.
Cool Before Flipping: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. This helps the topping set and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
Use Parchment Paper: Line the bottom of your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to release the cake and keep the topping intact.
Serve Fresh: The cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully, and the texture remains soft and moist.
How to store Upside Down German Chocolate Banana Cake:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the cake's soft and moist texture while keeping the toasted coconut pecan topping crunchy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
Freezing: To store the cake for an extended period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Individual Portions: Slice the cake into individual portions before storing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a single serving when desired. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Prevent Topping Sogginess: To keep the toasted coconut pecan topping crunchy, store the cake in a single layer. Avoid stacking slices, as this can cause the topping to become soggy and lose its texture.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This helps restore the cake's fudgy texture and keeps the topping crunchy. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the topping soggy.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: When storing the cake at room temperature, keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents the topping from melting.
Check out my other chocolate desserts on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this upside down german chocolate banana cake. Happy baking!
