Creating your Banana Upside Down Cake is fun and straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved and mixture is smooth. Pour this caramel into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
3. Arrange Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas into rounds and arrange them evenly over the brown sugar mixture in the cake pan.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Incorporate Buttermilk: Add the buttermilk to the mixture and combine well. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
7. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged bananas in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the caramel to set slightly.
10. Invert Cake: Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a serving plate on top of the cake pan and invert it to release the cake onto the plate, banana side up. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

By following these clear and simple instructions, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked Banana Upside Down Cake!