Bananas Foster Upside Down Cake

Ingredients for the Topping: 

1 cup dark brown sugar
2 TSBP unsalted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp allspice
3 TBSP dark rum
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas cut into coins

Ingredients for the cake: 

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 TBSP unsalted butter, room temp
2 eggs, room temp
2 ripe bananas, slightly mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Prepare a 10 inch cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat to make your topping. 

3. To the skillet, add sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt and allspice.  Stir often and let all of the sugar dissolve and bring to a bubble. Once bubbly and thick - about 3-4 minutes, remove from the heat to add the rum and vanilla. Stir and then put back on the heat for one minute to combine everything.  Turn off the heat.

4. Add your banana coins on top of the sugar mixture in an even layer. 

5. On to the cake - Mix all of your dry ingredients together (not the sugar). 

6. Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add in your butter. Beat for 2 minutes or until fluffy. 

7. Add in the eggs one at a time. 

8. Add in the mashed bananas and the vanilla and mix just until combined. 

9. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat dry ingredients, buttermilk and end with dry. Beat until just incorporated. 

10. Carefully spoon the batter on top of the bananas foster syrup and bananas in the skillet. 

11. Place a sheet pan on the bottom rack to catch any drippings. Place your cast iron skillet on the rack above.  Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

12. Let rest at least 10 minutes. Then slide a butter knife around the edges of the cast iron to loosen the cake. Invert onto a large plate. 

13. Cut and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.