Peach Upside Down Cake

Moist and flavorful this peach upside down cake is full of sweet flavor from caramelized peaches that are baked on a homemade soft and tender cake! Served warm out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the best summertime dessert. 

While I usually love my fruit crunchy, like a good crisp apple in the fall, this peach upside down cake with its fresh caramelized peaches and soft tender cake has me appreciating summertime fruit in a whole new way!

This summer cake recipe is easy to make and the fruit on the top is just stunning! The presentation only rivals the taste, which is moist, buttery, soft and sweet. This cake even inspired me to make a fall upside down apple cake! 

From the browned butter juicy peaches to the spongy cake with a slight almond taste, you are going to love the pure melt-in-your-mouth texture that will become a summertime staple to make in your own kitchen as it has in mine.

What is an Upside-Down Cake?

If you have never had an upside down cake before, this cake actually dates back hundreds of years when they would line a cast iron skillet with fruit and then pour cake batter on the top. 

Once done, the cake was then flipped so the cake part was on the bottom and the fruit on the top. 

As it baked the juicy fruit infused the cake with delicious flavor and then when flipped it became a beautiful presentation not to mention all the delicious caramelized taste. One of the most classic examples of this type of cake is the pineapple upside down cake! 

Ingredients for Upside Down Peach Cake

• Butter: Salted butter is great for the syrupy peach topping while unsalted butter is preferred for the cake batter. 
• Sugars: You will need brown sugar for the peach topping and granulated sugar for the cake portion. 
• Peaches: You will need 3 or 4 small fresh peaches or 1 small can of peaches drained. 
• Extract: I prefer almond extract in the cake but you can use vanilla extract if you would like.
• Egg: One egg adds binding and moisture to the cake. 
• Cake flour: This type of flour will produce a cake that has a soft and tender crumb. 
• Baking powder: This adds both lift and rise and is a staple in baked goods.
• Salt: This is used in the cake batter to enhance the taste. If you only have salted butter, you may need only a pinch. 
• Milk: This gives the cake an even more tender crumb! You can use buttermilk if you would like a tangier cake. 

Fresh vs. Frozen or Canned Peaches

While fresh peaches will provide the best taste, frozen peaches or canned peaches can be used which is a great way to make this peach upside cake year round.

To use frozen peaches, defrost and drain completely before using so you don’t introduce additional moisture which could lead to a soggy cake. 

Canned peaches will also need to be drained completely before using in the cake. You will need one small can of peaches to replace the fresh peach slices. 

How to Make Peach Upside Down Cake

Next, make your peach layer. On the bottom of the cake pan place the softened butter, add the brown sugar and mix well. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan then lightly press the sliced peaches into the mixture.

To make your cake layer, first whisk together your dry ingredients to remove any lumps then set aside.

Then in a medium bowl, cream the butter, sugar and almond extract with an electric mixer. Add the egg and continue to beat until light and fluffy.

Last, alternate adding your dry ingredients with the milk beating on low speed until combined.

Spoon your cake batter evenly over the peaches.

Bake the upside down peach cake until down. Cool for 5 minutes and then flip your upside cake unto a plate. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes, Tips and Variations

• Warm flavor: For additional flavor add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the brown sugar and butter mixture. 
• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans or sliced almonds would all be delicious and add some texture! You can add some to the cake batter, layer with the fresh peaches or add on top after baking. 
• Other fruit: Don’t let peaches stop you! Try this upside down cake with nectarines, pears, plums, apples or pineapple.
• How to release the cake from the pan: First, run a knife along the edge of the pan then turn the pan upside down over a plate and it should release easily onto the plate. If you have waited too long and your cake is sticking, place it back in the oven for a few minutes to loosen the caramelized fruit. 
• Homemade cake flour: To make your own cake flour, place one cup of all purpose flour into a bowl, remove 2 tablespoons and replace it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk well to combine.

Storage

Store leftover peach upside down cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month! While the cake may be more moist when thawed and the peaches browner in color, it will still taste delicious. 

Recipe FAQs

I hope you enjoy this Peach Upside Down Dessert as much as we did, and a dessert served with a little ice cream is a dessert no one can refuse. Enjoy!

More Summertime Desserts to Try

• Pineapple Cream Dessert
• Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
• Tiramisu Ice Cream Parfaits
• Toasted Coconut Lemon Ice Cream
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Updated from June 10, 2017.