Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopper summer dessert that marries golden caramel with juicy, sun-kissed fruit, the Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake cannot be beat. This crowd-pleasing cake turns buttery-soft peaches and a lush layer of caramel into a moist, tender crumb, all in one glorious flip. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to impress at your next backyard barbecue, this easy yet elegant treat is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a few simple ingredients come together to create the unforgettable flavor and beautiful color of Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake. Each component plays its part, from juicy peaches to warm cinnamon, ensuring that every bite is bursting with old-fashioned comfort.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the tender cake crumb and the key to a rich caramel base when melted in the pan first.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses note and helps create the glossy caramel topping that sets this cake apart.
- Fresh peaches: The stars of the show—choose perfectly ripe peaches for the brightest flavor and prettiest presentation.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it just the right structure without making it dense.
- Baking powder: Ensures your Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake rises beautifully every time.
- Salt: Just a little bit enhances all the caramel and fruit flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter and makes the crumb light and moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a cake that’s sturdy yet fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a fragrant, aromatic note.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and a little creaminess, giving your cake a luscious texture.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): A pinch offers a cozy warmth and enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
How to Make Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms, generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour 1/4 cup of your melted butter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom. Sprinkle light brown sugar evenly over the butter to create a lush caramel base. Then, arrange the peach slices in elegant concentric circles on top—this not only makes your Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake look beautiful, it ensures juicy fruit in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). This step disperses the leavening evenly and incorporates that hint of spice, setting your cake up for a light, even texture that’s a joy to slice through.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with the granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy; this is key for a soft crumb in your Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract, making sure everything is well mixed for a smooth, even batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, start alternating additions of the dry flour mixture and the whole milk into your Butter-Sugar-Egg mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently between each addition just until the batter is smooth. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix only as much as needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the cake batter evenly over the arranged peaches in your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden and fragrant. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter. The big reveal is the moment when the golden peaches and glossy caramel are unveiled!
How to Serve Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and tempers the sweetness of the caramel. You can also scatter a few fresh peach slices or toasted almonds on top for color and crunch—perfect finishing touches for your Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake.
Side Dishes
To keep things summery and light, pair slices of the cake with a bowl of ripe berries or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Even a tangy crème fraîche can bring out the caramel notes and contrast the fruitiness of the peaches, making each forkful even more luxurious.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off the beautiful swirl of peaches by serving each slice on brightly colored plates or rustic wooden boards. For a fun brunch twist, offer petite wedges with champagne or sparkling peach punch—Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake can be dressed up or down, making it as perfect for picnics as it is for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake keeps best tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days, ensuring the cake stays moist and the caramel doesn’t become too sticky. If the weather’s warm, feel free to store it in the refrigerator—just cover it well to prevent it from absorbing unwanted fridge smells.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cooled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight, and let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring that freshly baked magic back, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. A little warmth revives the caramel and peaches, making each serving taste like it’s straight out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain them very well and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy. Canned peaches are a fantastic option outside of peach season and still deliver plenty of flavor.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
If the pan isn’t greased well or the caramel and fruit layer sits too long before inverting, the cake can stick. Be sure to invert the Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake after about 10 minutes cooling time, and gently tap the pan to loosen—parchment rounds can also help ensure a perfect flip.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can easily swap in a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The cake may be a little more delicate, so handle with care when inverting and serving, but you’ll still get all the fabulous caramel and peach flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the batter for a subtle spiced warmth. You can also add a splash of bourbon or amaretto for a grown-up twist—both pair wonderfully with the caramel and peaches in this upside down cake.
Can I make Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake in advance?
Definitely! Bake the cake a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. If you want to serve it warm, just reheat slices before serving to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and oozy caramel top.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the combination of caramel, peaches, and moist cake that makes the Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake a dessert worth sharing. I hope you’ll try it soon and fall in love with its simple magic, whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just your sweet tooth!
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Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, caramelized goodness of this Caramel Peach Upside Down Cake. A moist and flavorful cake topped with fresh peaches and a buttery brown sugar glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3–4 fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour 1/4 cup melted butter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar, arrange peaches on top.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Prepare Batter: Beat 1/4 cup melted butter with sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture.
- Bake: Pour batter over peaches and bake for 35–40 minutes. Invert onto a plate after cooling.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use canned peaches as a shortcut
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
