Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with this mouthwatering Upside Down Peach Cake that promises to revolutionize your baking game! Imagine a golden, buttery cake topped with glistening caramelized peaches that practically melt in your mouth - this isn't just a dessert, it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to creating a show-stopping treat that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
- In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or round cake pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the bottom of the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar begins to caramelize and become bubbly.
- Arrange the sliced peaches in a circular pattern over the caramelized sugar, covering the entire bottom of the pan. Ensure the peach slices are slightly overlapping for a beautiful presentation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla extract until light and frothy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring gently until a smooth cake batter forms.
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged peach slices, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the fruit.
- Transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the caramel to set slightly and makes inverting easier.
- Place a large serving plate over the skillet and carefully flip the cake upside down in one swift motion. Lift the skillet away, allowing the peaches and caramel to beautifully coat the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. Slightly soft peaches that yield to gentle pressure work best.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it distributes heat evenly and creates a beautiful caramelization.
- Be careful when flipping the cake - use a plate slightly larger than your pan and wear oven mitts for safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before inverting to ensure the caramel sets properly.
- If peaches aren't in season, you can substitute with canned peaches, but fresh always tastes best.
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an absolutely divine dessert experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 90mg
