Creating this Banana Upside Down Cake is easy if you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. Spread the Topping: Pour the butter and sugar mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced bananas on top in a decorative pattern.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

5. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

7. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

8. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged bananas in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

9. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Invert: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a serving plate. Gently lift the pan to reveal the stunning bananas on top.

Following these steps will enable you to create a moist and flavorful Banana Upside Down Cake that’s bound to impress every palate.