Gluten-Free Banana-Coconut Upside-Down Cake
This tropical twist on classic upside-down cake features caramelized banana slices and toasted coconut in a rich brown sugar glaze. The moist yellow cake base, enhanced with sour cream, provides the perfect backdrop for the sweet banana-coconut topping. When inverted, the golden caramelized fruit creates a stunning presentation that's perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining. The combination of buttery brown sugar sauce with tender bananas and coconut flakes delivers comfort food appeal with an exotic flair.
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- 3 whole eggs
- ¼ cup oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup water
- 6 bananas, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray cake pans with cooking spray
- 2
Beat cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and sour cream on low until combined, then beat on high for 2 minutes
- 3
Place banana slices evenly on the bottom of both cake pans
- 4
Melt butter in a small saucepan, add brown sugar and lemon juice and heat until dissolved
- 5
Pour half of the brown sugar mixture into each cake pan over the bananas
- 6
Sprinkle coconut over brown sugar sauce
- 7
Pour cake batter on top of the coconut, dividing equally between pans
- 8
Bake until toothpick in center comes out clean
- 9
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes, then invert onto serving dishes
Tips
Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
Let the cake cool for exactly 5 minutes before inverting to ensure the topping sets properly without sticking
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered at room temperature
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best flavor and texture
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or the cake will dry out and the fruit topping may burn
Wait the full 5 minutes before inverting to prevent topping from sliding off
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different fruits instead of bananas?
Yes, try pineapple rings, peach slices, or apple wedges. Adjust sugar if using tart fruits and consider cooking time differences.
What if my cake sticks to the pan when inverting?
Run a knife around edges before inverting and ensure proper greasing. If stuck, place a warm damp towel over the pan briefly.
How long will this cake keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. The fruit topping stays moist longer when refrigerated.