Peach Upside Down Cake

Golden caramelized peaches nestled in a buttery, moist cake that reveals its treasure when flipped – that’s the magic of a Peach Upside Down Cake. This nostalgic dessert transforms sweet, juicy peaches into a stunning centerpiece that’s both rustic and elegant. The contrast between the soft, tender cake and the sticky-sweet fruit topping creates an irresistible combination that has stood the test of time. You’ll learn how to create this showstopping dessert with perfect caramelization, tender cake texture, and just the right balance of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peach Upside Down Cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable. The dramatic reveal when you flip the cake creates an instant wow factor, yet the technique is surprisingly simple. The aroma of butter, brown sugar, and peaches that fills your kitchen as it bakes is almost as delightful as the first bite.

What makes this peach dessert special is the textural contrast – the caramelized peach topping provides a sticky-sweet counterpoint to the light, fluffy cake beneath. The fruit becomes jammy and intensely flavorful during baking, while the cake soaks up just enough of the fruity syrup to stay moist without becoming soggy.

Even baking novices can achieve spectacular results with this recipe. It’s forgiving and flexible, working beautifully with fresh summer peaches or canned peaches when the season has passed. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (133g) brown sugar, packed
• 3-4 fresh peaches (about 1 pound/450g), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, room temperature

Fresh, ripe peaches are the star ingredient here, offering natural sweetness and bright flavor. The brown sugar creates that signature caramel-like topping that makes an upside down peach cake so irresistible. If using canned peaches, be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture.

Pro Tips

Master the Caramel Base
The foundation of an exceptional Peach Upside Down Cake is the caramel topping. Melt the butter in your cast iron skillet or cake pan directly over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely. Remove from heat before arranging the peaches to prevent burning. This method ensures an even caramelization that will perfectly coat each peach slice.

Perfect Peach Preparation
For the best texture and appearance, peel your peaches before slicing. Dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water – the skins will slide right off. Cut the peaches into uniform slices (about 1/2-inch thick) so they cook evenly. Arrange them in an overlapping pattern for the most attractive presentation when the cake is flipped.

The Crucial Flip
The most nerve-wracking part of making this peach cake is the flip, but timing is everything. Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – any longer and the caramel might set too firmly, any shorter and the cake structure might not hold. Place your serving plate over the pan, protect your hands with oven mitts, and flip with confidence in one smooth motion. Wait about 30 seconds before lifting the pan to allow the caramel to settle over the cake.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Peaches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a regular cake pan instead of a cast iron skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan, then pour into a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. Arrange your peeled and sliced peaches in a decorative pattern over the brown sugar mixture, slightly overlapping the slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures your leavening agent is distributed evenly throughout the batter, resulting in a cake with consistent texture. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb in your Peach Upside Down Cake. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming is essential for a light texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporating evenly. Mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry – it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake, so use a gentle hand once the flour is added.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged peaches, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pan. The batter is thick, so take your time to ensure it completely covers the fruit without disturbing your beautiful arrangement. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and pulling away slightly from the edges of the pan. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow it to cool for exactly 10 minutes.

Step 8: The Dramatic Flip
After cooling for 10 minutes, run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Place your serving plate (make sure it’s larger than your cake pan) upside down over the top of the pan. Using oven mitts, hold the plate and pan together firmly and quickly flip them over. Lift the pan off carefully, revealing your beautiful Peach Upside Down Cake. If any peach slices stick to the pan, simply place them back on the cake.

Variations

Mixed Stone Fruit Upside Down Cake
Create a stunning variation by substituting half of the peaches with other stone fruits like plums, nectarines, or apricots. The combination of different fruits adds visual interest with their varied colors and brings complexity to the flavor profile. The slightly tart notes of plums or apricots complement the sweet peaches beautifully.

Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
For an adult twist on this classic peach upside down cake, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the caramel mixture and reduce the vanilla to 1/2 teaspoon while adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter. The bourbon adds depth and a subtle warmth that elevates the natural sweetness of the peaches, creating a sophisticated dessert perfect for dinner parties.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
This recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, making this inclusive dessert just as delicious for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

This Peach Upside Down Cake is at its absolute best when served slightly warm, about an hour after baking, when the caramel is still slightly gooey but the cake has set enough to slice cleanly. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the perfect accompaniment, melting slightly against the warm cake.

For storage, cover any leftover cake loosely with foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. The moisture from the fruit topping helps keep the cake from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving or warm individual slices briefly in the microwave.

For a special brunch presentation, serve thin slices alongside Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. For a decadent dessert option, warm slices gently and serve with a splash of heavy cream poured over the top, allowing it to pool around the cake and mix with the caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Yes! When fresh peaches aren’t in season, well-drained canned peaches work beautifully in this Peach Upside Down Cake. Choose peaches in juice rather than heavy syrup for better control over sweetness, and pat them dry with paper towels before arranging them in the pan.

Why did my caramel crystallize?
Crystallization usually happens when sugar crystals form on the side of the pan. To prevent this, avoid stirring the caramel once the sugar has dissolved and brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve any crystals that might form.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. The caramelized fruit topping actually helps preserve moisture in the cake. Store at room temperature, loosely covered, and warm slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

My cake stuck to the pan when flipping. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the cake cooled too long in the pan. The caramel hardens as it cools, so flipping after exactly 10 minutes is crucial. If this happens, warm the bottom of the pan gently over low heat for a minute to loosen the caramel before attempting to flip again.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this Peach Upside Down Cake freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Conclusion

This Peach Upside Down Cake is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of nostalgic charm and impressive presentation. The caramelized peaches create a stunning crown atop a tender, buttery cake that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone at your table. It’s the kind of dessert that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions, whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or as the sweet ending to a family dinner. With its beautiful presentation and harmonious flavors, this cake proves that sometimes the most memorable desserts are the ones that honor tradition while showcasing seasonal fruit at its best.

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