This Upside Down Banana Cake is a beautiful dessert perfect for special occasions or even just because... because sometimes you just want to indulge in the goodness of caramelized bananas <smile>
Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans or one 13x9" cake pan
Combine 4 tablespoons melted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and mix well. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of your cake pan(s).
Top with sliced bananas, placing bananas in a single layer.
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 1/4 cups milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until combined.
Add 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon baking powder and mix until just combined.
Pour cake batter evenly into pan(s) and bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the center bounces back when lightly pressed. Cook time will vary depending on what size pan you use, so be sure the middle is set (no jiggles).
Cool for 15 minutes and then run a knife around the edges of the cake and carefully invert onto a serving platter. Enjoy!