This peach upside down cake brings a burst of fruity flavor with every slice! Sweet, juicy peaches sit on top of a fluffy cake, making it a lovely treat for any occasion.
But really, the best part is flipping it over to reveal that gorgeous peach layer. It’s like a cake surprise party! 🎉 Can’t wait to serve this with a scoop of ice cream on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal here for their sweetness and flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches — just drain them well. Some folks love using apricots or pineapple too, for a different twist!
Butter: You’ll need two kinds of butter — one melted and one softened. For a dairy-free option, try using margarine or coconut oil. Both will work well, but keep the flavors in mind!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that lovely caramel flavor. In a pinch, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses to replicate that flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great natural substitute.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be a good choice without sacrificing much taste.
How Do You Get the Cake to Release Perfectly?
Flipping the cake can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips! First, make sure to let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake to set and loosen slightly from the sides.
- Make sure to use a non-stick pan or grease it well with butter and flour.
- When inverting it onto a plate, do so quickly, but carefully. Give the pan a gentle shake to loosen the cake before flipping.
- Let it sit inverted for a minute to allow any caramelized juices to soak into the cake before lifting the pan.
And if anything sticks, don’t worry! A spoon can help ease any stuck pieces back onto the cake.
Best Easy Peach Upside Down Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 3-4 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced into halves
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This peach upside down cake takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. After that, allow 10 minutes to cool before inverting. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour and 10 minutes before it’s ready to be served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch square baking pan and grease it well with butter, then lightly flour it to ensure an easy release of the cake later.
2. Create the Topping:
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter to create a lovely caramel layer. Finally, arrange the peach halves, cut side down, over the brown sugar in a single layer. This will be the beautiful topping of your cake!
3. Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the batter, making it nice and airy!
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor. Gradually add the flour mixture while alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Be careful not to over-mix; just mix until combined.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now it’s time to pour the batter over the arranged peach halves in the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as it bakes!
5. Invert and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate, gently tapping the pan to help it release. Allow it to sit inverted for a minute to let the topping fall nicely onto the cake.
Serve your cake warm or at room temperature. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh mint leaves and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy every delightful bite of your beautifully caramelized peach upside down cake with its moist and tender crumb! 🍑🍰
FAQ for Best Easy Peach Upside Down Cake
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches work fine. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that all other ingredients you’re using are also gluten-free!
What Can I Serve with This Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence! It’s also great with a scoop of yogurt for a lighter option.
