Summer is the season of sunshine, warmth, and, of course, deliciously sweet and juicy peaches. What better way to celebrate the season than by enjoying a freshly baked peach upside down cake? This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes with its caramelized peach topping but is also the perfect balance of flavors – sweet, tangy, and buttery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking to impress guests with your dessert skills, this recipe is perfect for you.
Upside-down peach cake
Use a sharp utility knife and split the peaches in half, remove the seed and cut each half into 4 slices. (8 slices per peach)Pro tip – It is important to cut thin slices of the peaches. You can overlap the slices, also, you may or may not need 4 peaches. Use your pan as a guide.
Place soft butter and sugar in a 9-inch round cake pan or 9-inch square pan – combine well. Spread evenly on the bottom of the pan so you have a thin layer of butter/sugar under each peach slice.Pro tip – Do not line the pan with parchment as it prevents caramelization. Arrange the slices of peaches over the mixture, in a single layer. You can overlap the slices but do not double overlap. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter.Pro tip – Too much fruit will cause create too many juices. Thus, no caramelization.
Preheat oven at 350 °F / 180 °C / Gas Mark 4 In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or mixing bowl and whisk ), add all cake ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Pro tip – Make sure everything is room temperature. Otherwise, the butter will get lumpy and not incorporate. Mix well, on medium to low speed, until you have a smooth texture of the cake batter with no lumps. Pro tip – This is a one-bowl cake method, you want everything well-combined but do not overmix. Otherwise, the cake will be dense. Pour cake batter over the peaches in the cake pan. Spread it evenly. Shake the pan gently so the batter sinks into between the slices. Bake for about 45 – 50 minutes until the skewer inserted comes out clean. Pro tip – Always make sure the oven is preheated for at least 10 minutes before you put cakes in. Otherwise, the cake may not rise.
Then, cool the pan on the cooling rack (wire rack) for only 5 minutes. This cake needs to be inverted while the sugar is still hot at the bottom of the peaches. Place a plate or serving platter on the cake pan – carefully hold the pan and plate steady while you flip the cake pan over.Note – This is better done correctly, carefully, and quickly by an adult only. The cake is hot and the bottom caramelized sugar juices can cause severe burns if not done correctly. Once inverted, let the cake cool completely. This cake can be eaten warm or cold on its own or served with whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative ways to serve peach cake
Upside-down peach cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that can be served in various creative ways. Here are some imaginative ideas to present and enjoy this cake:
You want to choose peaches that are ripe, juicy, and sweet. When selecting peaches for your cake, look for ones that have a slight give when gently squeezed. This indicates that they are ripe and ready to eat. Another way to check if a peach is ripe is by smelling it. Ripe peaches will have a sweet, fruity aroma. Avoid peaches that are hard or have green patches, as they are not yet ripe and won’t add the desired flavor to your cake. It’s also important to choose the right type of peach for your cake. Yellow peaches have a classic flavor and are great for baking, while white peaches have a milder flavor and are perfect for those who prefer a less sweet dessert. Whether you choose yellow or white peaches, make sure to buy them a couple of days before making your cake to allow them to ripen fully. And if you’re in a hurry, you can always speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple.
First, make sure to choose peaches that are perfectly ripe, but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. You can also use canned peaches in a pinch, but drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the cake. When preparing the pan, be sure to generously grease the bottom and sides to prevent sticking. Additionally, arrange the peach slices in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and create a beautiful pattern on top of the cake. When it comes to the batter, mix it just until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake. And finally, be patient and allow the cake to cool completely before trying to remove it from the pan. Nuts – You can add ½ cup chopped almond, cashew nuts, or pistachios to this recipe. Alternatively, you can add ¼ cup of almond meals as well. Sugar – You can use brown instead of white sugar. However, brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and a deeper color to the cake batter. This cake must be inverted while the sugar is still hot, no later than 7 to 10 minutes after baking. Otherwise, the caramel will cool and get stuck to the pan. If that happens, place the pan not the stovetop on low heat until the bottom is properly warmed up. Then invert. Be very careful when inverting the cake as the peach juices and caramel are bubbling and hot. Always flip away from you just in case of any spill and use gloves when doing this.
First, you can experiment with different types of peaches, such as yellow or white peaches, to find the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds. You can also switch up the cake batter itself by adding in different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give it a warm and cozy feel. Or, for a more summery twist, you could add in some lemon zest to give your cake a refreshing burst of citrus. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even swap out the fruit altogether and try making an upside down cake with a different type of fruit entirely! Plums, apricots, and pineapple are all great alternatives that would work well with the recipe. Whatever you choose to do, don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to this classic dessert. The possibilities are endless, and the result is sure to be a delicious treat that you can enjoy all summer long
No matter how you decide to serve your peach cake, it’s sure to be a hit.
Individual Mini Cakes: Bake the upside-down peach cake in individual cake pans or ramekins to create mini cakes. Serve each person their own personal-sized dessert. Ice Cream Topping: Serve warm slices of upside-down peach cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm cake and caramelized peaches pair perfectly with the cold and creamy ice cream. Grilled Peach Cake: Cut the peaches in half and grill them before placing them in the bottom of the cake pan. The grilled peaches add a smoky and caramelized flavor to the cake. Cake Trifle: In a trifle dish, layer cubes of peach cake with whipped cream and fresh peach slices. Repeat the layers and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over peach cake slices for an extra sweetness and richness. Brunch Cake: Serve the peach cake as a delightful brunch treat, along with a side of yogurt or whipped cream and a sprinkle of granola or toasted nuts. Upside-Down Cupcakes: Use a muffin tin to make individual upside-down peach cupcakes. Each cupcake will have a beautiful peach slice on top. Peach Tarts: Roll out pie dough and cut it into small rounds. Place a peach slice on each round and fold the edges over to form rustic tarts. Upside-Down Peach Pancakes: Pour pancake batter over sliced peaches in a skillet and cook until bubbles form on top. Flip the pancakes to reveal the caramelized peach layer. Peach Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use slices of upside-down peach cake as the “bread” for ice cream sandwiches. Add a scoop of ice cream between two cake slices and press gently. Spiced Upside-Down Peach Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm and aromatic twist. Peach Cake Milkshake: Blend slices of upside-down peach cake with vanilla ice cream and milk to create a decadent peach cake milkshake.
Peach Upside Down Cake is the ultimate summer dessert for a reason. With its perfect blend of sweetness and richness, it’s sure to cool you down on even the hottest of days. From choosing the perfect peaches to nailing the caramelized topping, following the tips outlined in this article will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time. So why wait? Indulge in the flavors of the season by baking your very own Peach Upside Down Cake today. As the saying goes, “life is uncertain, but dessert doesn’t have to be.” Thank you for sharing - Save for later
