why make this recipe
Peach Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. This cake combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a rich caramel topping, creating a beautiful and tasty treat for any occasion. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, this cake not only tastes delicious but also presents wonderfully when served. By inverting the cake, the golden peaches shine, making it a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table. It’s also a fantastic way to use fresh, juicy peaches in their prime season.
how to make Peach Upside-Down Cake
Making a Peach Upside-Down Cake is a straightforward process. You’ll begin by preparing a caramel base using butter, brown sugar, and bourbon, which will form the topping once the cake is inverted. Then, you’ll whip up a simple cake batter that’s moist and flavorful. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
Make the caramel: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and bourbon. Mix them together until well combined. This caramel mixture is what will make your peaches shine and create that lovely topping.
Prepare the cake pan: Pour the caramel mixture into a 9-inch round cake pan. Once it’s spread out, arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the caramel. Make sure to cover the base of the pan well as this will form the top when you flip the cake.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and the remaining butter until fluffy. This may take a few minutes. After that, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix them together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could make your cake dense.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter over the peach arrangement in the cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it covers all the peach slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and invert: Once it’s baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. This step can be tricky, so be gentle to avoid breaking the cake.
Serve warm: Peach Upside-Down Cake is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
how to serve Peach Upside-Down Cake
When serving Peach Upside-Down Cake, create a visually appealing presentation. Place the inverted cake on a decorative plate, allowing the caramel-glazed peaches to be the star of the show. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added creaminess and flavor. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or sprinkle some chopped mint leaves for freshness. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, summer picnics, or even as a special treat for yourself.
how to store Peach Upside-Down Cake
If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store your Peach Upside-Down Cake. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before putting it away. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out. If you plan to eat it after a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months.
tips to make Peach Upside-Down Cake
Select ripe peaches: Make sure to use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. Overripe or under-ripe peaches can affect the taste and texture of the cake.
Customize the caramel: If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or omit it entirely. The flavor will still be delicious!
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices, like nutmeg or ginger, to give the cake a unique flavor twist.
Check baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Serve with toppings: Get creative with your toppings—try adding fresh fruits, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
variation
You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re not keen on peaches, other fruits like pineapples, apples, or even pears work exceptionally well for an upside-down cake. Each fruit will lend its unique flavor and texture to the dessert. Moreover, feel free to experiment with different cake flavors by incorporating cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or almond extract instead of vanilla.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well before adding them to the cake. This ensures that the extra moisture doesn’t affect the baking process.
2. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the blend for baking powder and other ingredients that might contain gluten.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes and test again.
Enjoy making your Peach Upside-Down Cake, and delight in its sweet aroma and flavors!
Print
Peach Upside-Down Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on a classic dessert, this cake combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a rich caramel topping, making it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bourbon until well combined.
- Pour the caramel mixture into a 9-inch round cake pan, then arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the caramel.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and remaining butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the peach arrangement in the cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. You can customize the caramel by substituting bourbon with apple juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Peach Cake, Upside-Down Cake, Summer Dessert, Caramel Cake